Epistemology Background Flashcards
Define a priori
Propositions which can be known to be true prior or independently of experience
Define a posteriori
Propositions which depend upon evidence which can only be provided from experience
Define analytic
True by virtue of the meaning of the words/concepts used to express it so that denying it would be a self-contradiction
Example of an analytic proposition?
All bachelors are unmarried
Define synthetic
Not necessarily true because of the meaning of words/concepts used to express it
Example of an synthetic proposition?
Socrates is male
Define necessary
Necessary truths have to be true and it to say they are false is logically impossible
A is a necessary condition for B when you have to have A in order to have B
Define sufficient
A is a sufficient condition of B if you have A as enough to have B
Define contingent
A contingent proposition is neither necessarily true nor false (not a contradiction nor a tautology or self-evident propostition)
Define a deductive argument
If the premises are true and logically related, then the conclusion follows necessarily. Once premises have been accepted it is impossible to deny the conclusion without a contradiction or absurdity e.g. a syllogism
Example of a deductive argument
P1: All bachelors are male
P2: Sam is a bachelor
C: Sam is male
Define an inductive argument
Uses evidence to suggest the high probability of something rather than an absolute logical certainty. Involves observations of specific incidences in support of a conclusion. The conclusion doesn’t follow necessarily but is likely to be correct.
Examples of when inductive arguments are used
In science and law courts
“Convinced beyond all reasonable doubt”
What does Rationalism uphold?
All knowledge is derived from, or depended upon, truths obtained by the employment of unaided reason alone
According to Rationalists, all knowledge forms part of…
one great deductive system
