术语表.docVIP

a posteriori knowledge: knowledge which is based on the evidence of sense experience or which can be checked against sense experience to determine its truth or falsity. Since the senses may deceive, such knowledge is only probable. Generalizations* based on sense experience are only probable because things may be different in the future from what they have been in the past. Many philosophers refuse to call beliefs based on sense experience knowledge at all, instead terming it opinion or belief and reserving the word knowledge for that which can be known a priori.* ( 132 ) a priori knowledge: knowledge which cannot possibly be refuted by any conceivable sense experience and which is therefore certainly true. Since such knowledge cannot possibly be invalidated, it is true in all times and places. It is said to depend on reason rather than experience. A priori knowledge is certain, as contrasted with a posteriori* knowledge, which is only probably true. ( 132 -37) absolute idealism: the view associated with G. W. F. Hegel that everything is but a thought in the mind of God or the Absolute (the Being which depends on nothing else for its nature or existence). ( 203 -04, 214 -15) -218- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- aesthetics: see esthetics. agnosticism: the view that one does not or cannot know something, usually used to refer to the notion that one does not know whether God exists. altruism: the ethical view that one should be concerned about the welfare of others rather than about ones own welfare ( 90 - 91 ) analytic proposition: a proposition whose truth or falsity depends completely on definitions, other linguistic rules, and the logically necessary implications of those definitions and rules. For example, All mothers are females is an analytic proposition. Since mother means female parent, the truth of the assertion is guaranteed. Some mothers are not females is also analytic because it is known