Empiricism

Definition

Empiricism is a theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience. It emphasizes the role of empirical evidence in the formation of ideas, over the notion of innate ideas or traditions. Empiricism is a central tenet of the scientific method and is closely related to the philosophical concepts explored in this course.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Empiricism emphasizes the role of sensory experience and empirical evidence in the formation of ideas, in contrast to relying solely on reason, tradition, or intuition.
2. Empiricists believe that the mind begins as a tabula rasa, or blank slate, and that all knowledge is acquired through sensory experience and observation.
3. Empiricism is a foundational principle of the scientific method, which relies on the collection and analysis of empirical data to test hypotheses and draw conclusions.
4. Empiricists argue that knowledge derived from sensory experience is more reliable and objective than knowledge based on a priori reasoning or subjective intuition.
5. Empiricism is closely related to the philosophical concepts of induction, which involves deriving general principles from particular observations, and epistemology, which examines the nature and limits of human knowledge.

Review Questions

• Explain how empiricism relates to the philosophical concept of how philosophers arrive at truth.
  • Empiricism is a key philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of sensory experience and empirical evidence in the pursuit of truth and knowledge. Empiricists believe that the primary source of knowledge comes from observation, experimentation, and the collection of data, rather than relying solely on reason, tradition, or intuition. This empirical approach is central to the scientific method and the way philosophers in this course seek to arrive at truthful conclusions about the world.
• Describe how empiricism relates to the philosophical concept of developing good habits of mind.
  • Empiricism encourages the development of certain habits of mind that are essential for effective philosophical inquiry and the pursuit of truth. These include a commitment to objectivity, a willingness to question assumptions, a focus on evidence-based reasoning, and a openness to revising one's beliefs in light of new empirical findings. Empiricists also emphasize the importance of careful observation, critical thinking, and a systematic approach to problem-solving, all of which are crucial for developing good intellectual habits.
• Analyze how empiricism relates to the philosophical concept of skepticism.
  • Empiricism's emphasis on the primacy of sensory experience and empirical evidence can be seen as a form of philosophical skepticism, in that it calls into question the reliability of other sources of knowledge, such as reason, tradition, or intuition. Empiricists argue that knowledge derived from the senses is more trustworthy and objective than knowledge based on a priori reasoning or subjective intuition. This skepticism towards non-empirical forms of knowledge is a central tenet of empiricism and is closely linked to the philosophical exploration of the limits and nature of human knowledge.

Related terms

Rationalism: The view that reason and rational thought, rather than sensory experience, are the primary sources of knowledge.

Induction: The logical process of deriving general principles from particular facts or instances, which is central to the empiricist approach.

Epistemology: The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge, which is a key focus of empiricism.