A posteriori

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A posteriori ("From the later") is a Latin phrase used in formal logic (and philosophy) to denote knowledge that is derived from empirical observation (experience). While it has nothing to do with one's posterior, some people manage to find such a connection. As the logical basis for induction, it is extensively used in the scientific method and in most courtrooms. In philosophy, a posteriori knowledge is contrasted with a priori knowledge, which is the backbone of deduction and rationalism.

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