A priori and a posteriori arguments

Question 1

A priori arguments

Answer 1

An argument based on reason alone (before sense experience)

Question 2

A posteriori arguments

Answer 2

An argument based on sense experience and observations of evidence

Question 3

What is the a priori argument for the existence of God?

Answer 3

Ontological argument

Question 4

What are the a posteriori arguments for the existence of God?

Answer 4

Teleological and Cosmological arguments

Question 5

Strength of a priori arguments

Answer 5

Does not depend on sense data; relies on logic and reasoning

Question 6

Weakness of a priori argument

Answer 6

It may not be possible to argue from the unknown to the known

Question 7

Weakness of a deductive argument

Answer 7

If we deny the premises, the conclusion is not valid

Question 8

Strengths of a posteriori arguments

Answer 8

It argues from the known to the unknown; relies on sense/observation

Question 9

Weakness of inductive arguments

Answer 9

It can only lead to a probable conclusion

Question 10

Weaknesses of a posteriori arguments

Answer 10

The same evidence can be interpreted differently; need to keep checking the evidence (it may change)

Question 11

Deductive argument

Answer 11

The premises must logically lead to the conclusion

Question 12

Inductive argument

Answer 12

The premises do not necessarily lead to the conclusion