A priori refers to knowledge that comes before any experience or independently from it, which is a concept started by Immanuel Kant. Kant distinguished between a priori and a posteriori (derived from experience) knowledge by pointing out the differences between necessary and contingent truth. The former refers to a truth that cannot be denied without contradiction and is hence referred to as a priori knowledge, while the latter refers to a posteriori. By referring to their theory as a priori, deontologists emphasize their belief in the existence of universal moral principles and obligations, which do not change depending on circumstances and which all people must follow.
When deontologists describe their theory as a priori, what precisely do they mean?
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Academic.Tips. 2022. "When deontologists describe their theory as a priori, what precisely do they mean?" November 22, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/when-deontologists-describe-their-theory-as-a-priori-what-precisely-do-they-mean/.
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Academic.Tips. "When deontologists describe their theory as a priori, what precisely do they mean?" November 22, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/when-deontologists-describe-their-theory-as-a-priori-what-precisely-do-they-mean/.
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"When deontologists describe their theory as a priori, what precisely do they mean?" Academic.Tips, 22 Nov. 2022, academic.tips/question/when-deontologists-describe-their-theory-as-a-priori-what-precisely-do-they-mean/.
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