Empiricism

Definition

Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes knowledge gained through sensory experience and evidence rather than through intuition or abstract reasoning. This method of understanding the world is foundational to the scientific method and has influenced various fields, including literature, as it encourages observation, experimentation, and the questioning of established beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Empiricism is significantly shaped by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued that all knowledge comes from experience and sensory input.
2. In literature, empiricism influenced writers to portray characters and societal issues based on observable reality rather than mere speculation or idealism.
3. Empiricism promotes critical thinking and skepticism about accepted truths, which encouraged satirical literature that questioned social norms and authority during the Enlightenment.
4. The rise of empiricism led to a focus on realistic portrayals in literature, contrasting with earlier romanticized or allegorical styles.
5. Empirical methods encouraged writers to explore human behavior and societal structures by observing real-life situations rather than relying solely on tradition or inherited beliefs.

Review Questions

• How did empiricism influence the themes and styles of literature during the Enlightenment?
  • Empiricism influenced Enlightenment literature by encouraging writers to focus on observable reality and human experiences. Authors began to depict characters and situations grounded in real life, which shifted away from romanticized narratives. This shift allowed for deeper explorations of societal issues, personal identity, and moral dilemmas, making literature more relatable and reflective of contemporary life.
• Discuss how Alexander Pope's use of satire in works like 'The Rape of the Lock' reflects empirical principles.
  • Alexander Pope's satirical poetry embodies empiricism through its sharp observations of society and human behavior. In 'The Rape of the Lock,' Pope uses wit and humor to critique social norms and highlight the absurdities of upper-class life. By focusing on specific events and behaviors, he emphasizes the importance of observation in understanding human nature and societal flaws, aligning with empirical thought.
• Evaluate the impact of empiricism on the decline of neoclassicism and the rise of sentimentalism in literature.
  • The impact of empiricism on the decline of neoclassicism and rise of sentimentalism can be evaluated through a shift in focus from rigid forms and classical ideals to individual emotional experiences. As empirical thought emphasized personal observation and feeling, literature began to prioritize authentic emotional responses over rationality. This change paved the way for sentimentalism, where character depth and emotional arcs became central, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of human experience shaped by empirical insights.

Related terms

rationalism: A philosophical viewpoint that posits reason as the primary source of knowledge, often contrasting with empiricism's emphasis on sensory experience.

scientific method: A systematic process of inquiry that involves observation, experimentation, and the formulation of hypotheses to acquire knowledge.

tabula rasa: The theory that individuals are born without built-in mental content and that all knowledge comes from experience or perception, closely linked to empiricist ideas.