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A philosophical term from the Latin for “from the earlier.” Although its connotations are complex, in short, the term refers to knowledge that is accessible prior to, or independently from, experience. The term is most closely associated with Immanuel Kant, who argued that ethical laws must be a priori (as opposed to other thinkers who thought people could determine what is ethical by observing and experimenting in the world). Mill cites the term in this context.
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A priori Term Timeline in Utilitarianism
The timeline below shows where the term A priori appears in Utilitarianism. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1: General Remarks
...instinct. The two main branches of ethical thought—the “intuitive” thinkers who think moral laws are a priori , and the “inductive” thinkers who think people can derive moral laws from experience—agree that...
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...people. All ethical thinkers see that happiness is important, and Mill thinks that even “ a priori moralists” like the famous philosopher Immanuel Kant ultimately have to rely on the utilitarian principles...
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