KNOWLEDGE AND CERTAINTY Part 1 RELIGION AND BELIEF

KNOWLEDGE AND CERTAINTY (Part 1) RELIGION AND BELIEF – KS 4

What do we mean by ‘knowledge’? An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion Getting the tools for the job

…But how do I know? arrange these cards in two groups (a) I know that Miss Carter is engaged to be married. (d) I know that the moon is bright tonight (g) I know that human beings are mammals (b) I know that a bachelor is an unmarried man. (e) I know that 5+2=7 (h) I know the Loch Ness Monster does not exist (c) I know that a Hexagon is a 6 sided shape (f) I know that zebras have stripes (i) I know that arachnids have 8 legs

TASK: Can you spot the difference? I know that Miss Carter is engaged to be married. I know that a bachelor is an unmarried man.

Two types of knowledge: A posteriori knowledge A priori knowledge I know that Miss Carter is engaged to be married I know that a bachelor is an unmarried man. We know this through sensory information We know this through our reason. We do not need sensory information

A posteriori knowledge is…. • Knowledge gained post (after) experience. • Something that you come to know by finding it out through observation and using your senses. For example: ‘I am tall for my age. ’

A priori knowledge is…. • Knowledge gained prior to experience. • Something that you know through reason alone, without the need to find it out through the senses. For example: ‘A triangle has three sides. ’

Test yourself- tick the correct box! A posteriori ‘The grass outside is green. ’ ü ‘Polygons have straight sides’. ‘The view from the window is beautiful’. A priori ü ü ’ 9 x 9=81’ ü ‘Mr Clark is in his flat. ’ ü ‘This classroom has 20 windows. ’ ü ‘ 6+1=8’ ü ‘A spinster is an unmarried woman’. ü

What about this statement? Do we come to know about whether God exists a priori (through reason alone) or a posteriori (through sensory experience)? “God exists”