Question

Provide definitions:

A posteriori truth or knowledge

Analytic truth

The Intelligible Realm

Answer 1

• A posteriori truth or knowledge means based on experience.A posteriori truth is truth that cannot be known or justified independently of evidence from sensory experience, and posteriori concepts are concepts that cannot be understood independently of reference to sensory experience.  A posteriori knowledge is empirical, experience-based knowledge. Examples of a posteriori truths are the truths of ordinary perceptual experience and the natural sciences.
• According to Kant, if a statement is analytic, then it is true by definition.Analytic truths are true in virtue of meaning alone.For example, “All bachelors are unmarried,”is often claimed to be true regardless of the way the world is; it is “true in virtue of meaning,” or analytic. The counterpart of analytic truths are synthetic truths: their truth depends on the state of affairs in the actual world.
• The Intelligible Realm a term given by Plato, is an aspect of reality beyond and more real than what we can see. It cannot be grasped through the senses but through the intellect. This realm is comprised of the forms and is the realm of truth and the object of knowledge.
• Forms are the unchanging, eternal, absolute entities or truths. The Form of the Good is the ultimate form from which all others are derived. It is the source of intelligibility and of our capacity to know. It acts in the intelligible realm as the sun in the visible realm (illuminating/clarifying everything). It is the ultimate object of knowledge. By grasping the Form of the Good, one reaches the highest grade of cognitive activity, understanding, and becomes a philosopher-king.
• The philosopher-king is the ruler of the kallipolis. Also called guardians, philosopher-kings are the only people who can grasp the Forms, and thus the only people who can claim actual knowledge