Summary
This text argues that knowledge is derived from two complementary sources: a priori knowledge, which is intellectual and transcendental, and a posteriori knowledge, which is based on specific observations. While empiricists, focusing on particulars, can only achieve strong probability, the intellectual element is necessary for correlating empirical data and forming any judgment. Pure a priori knowledge, devoid of content, is limited to formal logic and laws of thought. True understanding requires integrating both empirical data and the intellectual element that establishes laws or causes.
The text distinguishes between a priori judgments, independent of experience and essential to thought, and a posteriori judgments, derived from observation. This distinction, allied to Aristotelian concepts, has led to a "barren controversy" between "Intuitionalists" and "Empiricists." The book posits that these schools often argue at cross purposes, as knowledge based on particulars and knowledge of laws or causes are distinct yet complementary spheres of understanding.
Key concepts
- A priori — Knowledge or judgments considered independent of experience and belonging to the essence of thought.
- A posteriori — Knowledge or judgments derived from particular observations, moving from effect to cause.
- Intellectual element — A component of knowledge necessary for correlating empirical data and establishing laws or causes.
- Empiricism — A philosophical stance that emphasizes knowledge derived from particular observations.
- Intuitionalism — A philosophical stance that emphasizes a priori knowledge independent of experience.
- Argumentum a fortiori — An argument justifying a statement by reference to a proved conclusion that includes it, inferring from a stronger reason.
From the book
For other versions of this work, see Encyclopædia Britannica . ← 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica ( 1911 ) Title page → related portals : Reference Works Shortcut : EB11 or EB1911 Notes on reading the Wikisource edition . A special disclaimer for this project . Collaboration page for contributors . 12543 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica 1911 Table of contents This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1931. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works . Public domain Public domain false false← Alabama 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 "Alabama" Arbitration by Montague Hughes Crackanthorpe Alabama River → See also Alabama Claims on…
He is commonly known as Rab.← Abbadie, Jakob 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 'Abbahu Abba Mari → See also Abbahu on Wikipedia ; and our 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica disclaimer . 12925 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 — 'Abbahu ʼABBAHU, the name of a Palestinian ʼamora ( q.v. ) who flourished c . 279–320. ʼAbbahu encouraged the study of Greek by Jews. He was famous as a collector of traditional lore, and is very often cited in the Talmud.
He was author of Quaestiones ( Sheiltoth ), a collection of homilies (at once learned and popular) on Jewish law and ethics. This is recorded to have been the first work written by a Jewish scholar after the completion of the Talmud.← Alphabet 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 'Al-phasi, Isaac Alphege, Saint → See also Isaac Alfasi on Wikipedia ; and our 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica disclaimer . 1202415 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 — 'Al-phasi, Isaac ’AL-PHASI, ISAAC (1013–1103), Jewish rabbi and codifier, known as Riph , was born near Fez in 1013 and died at Lucena in 1103. ’Al-Phasi means the “man of Fez” (medieval Jews were often named after their birthplaces). He was forced to leave Fez when an old man of 75, being accused on some unknown political charge. He then…
Popular questions readers ask
- How would you explain, in simple terms, the specific actions and international circumstances that led to the vessel “Alabama” becoming a central point of contention between the United States and Great Britain?
- Analyze the significance of the British government's proclamation of neutrality in 1861. How did this proclamation, coupled with the ongoing construction of vessels like the “Alabama” in British shipyards, create a complex legal and diplomatic challenge for Britain?
- The text states the “Alabama” Arbitration "affords a conspicuous example of the value of arbitration as a means of averting war." If you had to teach someone the *process* by which this arbitration helped avert war, what specific elements of the dispute and the decision-making process would you emphasize to illustrate this value?
- Considering the Confederates' established agencies in England and the British government's initial response to information about the “Alabama,” what potential geopolitical or legal risks was Britain taking by *not* immediately acting on the US consul's initial letter?
- Imagine you are advising the commissioners of customs in July 1862. Based on the details provided about the “Alabama” and the ongoing hostilities, what were the primary legal and diplomatic arguments *for* detaining the vessel, and what potential counterarguments or practical difficulties might have delayed their action?