Types of arguments

Question 1

What is rationalism?

Answer 1

rationalism is a branch of philosophy where philosophers believe the best way to make an argument is by using a priori reasoning

Question 2

What is a priori reasoning?

Answer 2

a priori reasoning is an argument based on logic/reason

Question 3

What is empiricism?

Answer 3

empiricism is a branch of philosophy where philosophers believe the best way to make an argument is by using a posteriori reasoning

Question 4

what is a posteriori reasoning?

Answer 4

a posteriori reasoning is an argument based on the use of observation or experience

Question 5

what are strengths of a priori reasoning/argument?

Answer 5

• if you accept the premise then the conclusion must also be logically true
• a priori arguments are immune from being disproved by science

Question 6

what are weaknesses of a priori reasoning/argument?

Answer 6

• if one premise fails, the whole argument also fails
• some people believe it is impossible to prove the existence of God a priori as he is transcends the constrains of logic

Question 7

what are strengths of a posteriori reasoning/argument?

Answer 7

• they are based on observation which enables others to also verify the conclusion
• they are empirically verified and this method is seen as the best way to gain knowledge, specifically in science

Question 8

what are weaknesses of a posteriori reasoning/argument?

Answer 8

• science has disproved a posteriori “truth” many times , as things we once thought was true isnt necessarily the case now
• a posteriori arguments can only give us provisional knowledge because it could always be possible that additional experience could prove our conclusion wrong