Definition of a priori A priori

a pri•o•ri

We found 10 definitions of a priori from 5 different sources.

What does a priori mean?

Adjective
a priori - involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to a necessary effect; not supported by fact; "an a priori judgment"
		analytical, analytic of a proposition that is necessarily true independent of fact or experience; "`all spinsters are unmarried' is an analytic proposition"
		deductive involving inferences from general principles
a priori - based on hypothesis or theory rather than experiment
Adverb
a priori - derived by logic, without observed facts

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a priori
Characterizing that kind of reasoning which deduces consequences from definitions formed, or principles assumed, or which infers effects from causes previously known; deductive or deductively. The reverse of a posteriori.
a priori
Applied to knowledge and conceptions assumed, or presupposed, as prior to experience, in order to make experience rational or possible.

a priori
ā pri-ō′rī, a term applied to reasoning from what is prior, logically or chronologically, e.g. reasoning from cause to effect; from a general principle to its consequences; even from observed fact to another fact or principle not observed, or to arguing from pre-existing knowledge, or even cherished prejudices; (Kant) from the forms of cognition independent of experience.—ns. Apriō′rism, Apriō′rity; Apriō′rist, one who believes in Kant's view of a priori cognition. [L. a, ab, from, priori, abl. of prior, preceding.]