Empiricism
Empiricism
Empiricism (/ɛmˈpɪrɪsɪzəm/; from the Greek word for 'experience', εμπειρία) is a philosophical theory that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. It is one of the foundational elements of the scientific method, and is contrasted with rationalism, which posits that knowledge comes primarily from reason and logic.
Etymology
The term 'empiricism' comes from the Greek word 'empeiria', which means 'experience'. It was first used in the philosophical sense in the 17th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, to describe a philosophical movement that emphasized the role of experience and evidence in the formation of ideas, over the notion of innate ideas or traditions.
Related Terms
- Scientific Method: A systematic method of inquiry that uses empirical evidence to answer questions and test hypotheses.
- Rationalism: A philosophical theory that reason is the primary source of knowledge, contrasted with empiricism.
- Epistemology: The branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, its presuppositions and foundations, and its extent and validity.
- Positivism: A philosophical system recognizing only that which can be scientifically verified or which is capable of logical or mathematical proof, and therefore rejecting metaphysics and theism.
- Skepticism: A philosophical attitude of doubting knowledge claims set forth in various areas.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Empiricism
- Wikipedia's article - Empiricism
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