PhrasesHub

A priori

    Definitions

      • based on theory or assumption
        Used to describe something that is known or decided without prior observation or evidence, often based on logic or reasoning

      • without previous experience
        Used to express that something is being done or judged without prior knowledge or experience, often implying that it is done blindly or without proper understanding

      • predetermined
        Describes something that is established or assumed to be true before it can be proven or verified, often referring to a belief or conclusion that is accepted as fact without evidence or proof

    Examples of A priori

    • The government's a priori decision to increase taxes on luxury goods was met with criticism from the business community.

      In this example, "a priori" is being used to describe a decision that was made before any evidence or information was gathered to support it. The decision to increase taxes on luxury goods was made without any prior analysis or consideration of its potential impact on the economy or the business community.

    • Some people believe that the benefits of exercise are a priori, meaning that they are inherently good for your health regardless of any scientific evidence to support them.

      In this example, "a priori" is being used to describe a belief that is held without any prior evidence or reasoning. Some people believe that exercise is inherently good for your health, regardless of any scientific studies or evidence that supports this claim.

    • The police officer's a priori suspicion of the suspect led to his arrest, despite a lack of any concrete evidence against him.

      In this example, "a priori" is being used to describe a suspicion or belief that is held without any prior evidence or reasoning. The police officer's suspicion of the suspect led to his arrest, even though there was a lack of any concrete evidence to support this suspicion.

    • The teacher's a priori assumption that all students should learn the same way led to her failure to accommodate the diverse learning styles of her students.

      In this example, "a priori" is being used to describe an assumption that is held without any prior evidence or reasoning. The teacher's assumption that all students should learn the same way led to her failure to accommodate the diverse learning styles of her students, as she did not consider the unique needs and learning styles of each individual student.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a priori" is typically used to describe something that is understood or accepted without prior observation or experience. It can be used to express the idea that something is based on theory or assumption, without any concrete evidence or proof. This can also imply that the thing is being done or judged blindly, without proper understanding.

    In some cases, "a priori" may refer to something that is predetermined or established before it can be proven or verified. This can often refer to beliefs or conclusions that are accepted as fact without any evidence. It can also suggest that something is accepted as true based on previous experience or knowledge, rather than actual proof.

    Origin of "A priori"

    The phrase "a priori" is a Latin term that translates to "from the earlier" or "from the previous." It is a philosophical concept that dates back to ancient Greek thinkers, who believed that knowledge could be gained through reason and logic, rather than just through observation and experience.

    In the 18th century, German philosopher Immanuel Kant popularized the term and used it to distinguish between knowledge that is gained through experience (a posteriori) and knowledge that is known prior to experience (a priori). This distinction has been influential in many fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and science.

    Today, the term "a priori" is commonly used in academic and intellectual discussions to indicate that something is known or assumed without any direct evidence or observation. It is also used in everyday language to express the idea that something is done or believed without any prior experience or knowledge.