Definitions

Question 1

What is meant by an “a priori statement” ?

Answer 1

Where the premises and conclusion are not dependent on external evidence or experience

Question 2

What is an “a posterior” statement?

Answer 2

Something based on external experience, not words

Question 3

What is an deductive argument?

Answer 3

An argument that moves by logical statements to a conclusion which is necessarily true, and can be deducted from the premises of the statement.

Question 4

What is meant by inductive reasoning?

Answer 4

Where the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth of the conclusion. If the premises are true then it is unlikely that the conclusion is false.

Question 5

What is Reductio ad absurdum?

Answer 5

Where the last statement of an argument is contradictory to the definition, which is absurd. Therefore the opposite conclusion must be true

E.g.
• suppose God exists in ones understanding
• then God could be greater by existing in reality
• this means a greater God is possible- one that exists in reality

If God is the greatest thing which can be conceived, then God must exist in both the mind and reality.

Question 6

What are analytic propositions?

Answer 6

Where the statement in self contains the truthful answer

E.g. 1+1=2

Question 7

What are synthetic propositions?

Answer 7

Statements that require testing for further evidence to see if they are true

E.g. The bird is in the tree