Which of the following is an example of a priori knowledge?
a. No bachelors are lonely.
b. All bachelors are unmarried.
c. All bachelors are married.
d. Some bachelors are lonely.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: b. All bachelors are unmarried.
A priori knowledge refers to knowledge that is independent of experience. It is known through reason or logic rather than through observation or empirical evidence. In contrast, a posteriori knowledge depends on experience or sensory input.
The statement “All bachelors are unmarried” is a classic example of a priori knowledge. The term “bachelor” is defined as an unmarried man, so this statement is true by definition. It is logically necessary and can be known without observing any particular individual. One does not need to investigate the marital status of every bachelor in the world to confirm the truth of the statement. It is analytically true, meaning the predicate (unmarried) is contained in the subject (bachelor). This is a tautology or definitional truth.
Let us examine the other options:
- a. No bachelors are lonely: This is an empirical claim and depends on actual observations or data about the emotional states of bachelors. Some may be lonely and others may not be. This is not logically necessary and thus is a posteriori knowledge.
- c. All bachelors are married: This is a contradiction. It is logically false because it violates the definition of the term “bachelor.” This is not an example of knowledge, but rather an incorrect statement.
- d. Some bachelors are lonely: Like option a, this also requires empirical evidence. It is a contingent truth at best, based on observation or survey data, and not something that can be determined just by understanding the concept of a bachelor.
Thus, only “All bachelors are unmarried” qualifies as a priori knowledge because it is known independently of any experience and is based purely on logical analysis of concepts.