a priori

a priori [ˌeɪ praɪˈɔraɪ] advb. and adj. phr.

1.) A phrase used to characterize reasoning or arguing from causes to effects, from abstract notions to their conditions or consequences, from propositions or assumed axioms (and not from experience); deductive; deductively.
2.) Hence loosely: Previous to any special examination, presumptively, in accordance with one's previous knowledge or prepossessions.
3.) By some metaphysicians used for: Prior to experience; innate in the mind.

Etymology: Medieval Latin a priori: Latin a, from + priori, ablative of prior, former.

"Es ist also wenigstens eine der näheren Untersuchung noch benötigte und nicht auf den ersten Anschein sogleich abzufertigende Frage: ob es ein dergleichen von der Erfahrung und selbst von allen Eindrücken der Sinne unabhängiges Erkenntnis gebe. Man nennt solche Erkenntnisse a priori, und unterscheidet sie von den empirischen, die ihre Quellen a posteriori nämlich in der Erfahrung, haben" (Kritik der reinen Vernunft (zweiten Auflage), Immanuel Kant, 1787).

"It is therefore at least a question requiring closer investigation, and one not to be dismissed at first glance, whether there is any such cognition independent of all experience and even of all impressions of the senses. One calls such cognitions a priori, and distinguishes them from empirical ones, which have their sources a posteriori, namely in experience" (Critique of Pure Reason (2nd Ed.) by Immanuel Kant, Paul Guyer and Allen W. Wood (trans.), 1998).

(Creazione di Adamo, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, 1511)