What does apriorist mean?
An apriorist is a person who believes in a priori knowledge or reasoning, which is knowledge or reasoning that is independent of experience or observation. This approach to knowledge or reasoning emphasizes the importance of reason over experience. Apriorists argue that certain truths can be known without the need for empirical evidence, and that these truths are based on reason alone. In philosophy, the term 'apriorist' is often used to describe a particular approach to knowledge or reasoning, and is often contrasted with 'empiricist', which emphasizes the role of experience in knowledge. Apriorists have been influential in the development of various philosophical traditions, including rationalism and idealism. They have also been criticized for their emphasis on reason over experience, and for their failure to account for the role of experience in shaping our understanding of the world. Despite these criticisms, the apriorist approach remains an important and influential part of philosophical thought.
nounA person who believes in a priori knowledge or reasoning, which is knowledge or reasoning that is independent of experience or observation.
- A person who believes in a priori knowledge or reasoning.
"The philosopher was an apriorist, arguing that certain truths could be known without the need for empirical evidence."
"The philosopher was an apriorist, arguing that certain truths could be known without the need for empirical evidence."
"The apriorist approach to ethics emphasizes the importance of reason over experience."
The plural form 'apriorists' is used to describe multiple people who believe in a priori knowledge or reasoning.
"The apriorists argued that certain truths could be known without the need for empirical evidence."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of apriorist
The term 'apriorist' is derived from the Latin phrase 'a priori', which means 'from what is known before'. This phrase was used by philosophers such as René Descartes and Immanuel Kant to describe their approaches to knowledge or reasoning. The term 'apriorist' emerged in the 19th century as a way to describe philosophers who emphasized the importance of reason over experience.
Usage notes
In philosophy, the term 'apriorist' is often used to describe a particular approach to knowledge or reasoning. It is often contrasted with 'empiricist', which emphasizes the role of experience in knowledge.