Empiricism

Definition

Empiricism is a philosophical belief that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and observation rather than intuition or revelation. This approach emphasizes the importance of evidence gathered through direct experience, making it foundational to scientific methods and realistic portrayals in literature. By grounding knowledge in what can be observed, empiricism aligns closely with the emergence of realism, where authors focus on everyday life and believable characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Empiricism emerged in the 17th century and was championed by philosophers like John Locke and David Hume, who argued that human understanding is rooted in sensory experiences.
2. In literature, especially during the rise of realism, authors like Daniel Defoe utilized empirical principles to create detailed narratives that reflected real-life situations and characters.
3. Empirical methods encourage writers to observe the world around them and integrate those observations into their work, thereby enhancing authenticity.
4. The shift toward empiricism marked a departure from earlier literary traditions that relied heavily on allegory, symbolism, and romantic ideals.
5. Defoe's works often exemplify empirical storytelling, as he drew from personal experiences and meticulous research to craft narratives that mirrored the complexities of real life.

Review Questions

• How did empiricism influence the narrative techniques used by authors like Daniel Defoe?
  • Empiricism significantly influenced narrative techniques by encouraging authors like Daniel Defoe to focus on real-life experiences and observable details. This led to a style of writing that prioritized accurate depictions of everyday life, settings, and characters. As a result, Defoe's novels often featured meticulously researched contexts that lent authenticity to his storytelling.
• Compare and contrast empiricism with rationalism in the context of 18th-century literature.
  • Empiricism and rationalism present contrasting approaches to understanding knowledge in 18th-century literature. While empiricism relies on sensory experience as the foundation for knowledge, rationalism emphasizes logic and reason. In literary contexts, this meant that empiricist writers focused on tangible experiences and realistic depictions of life, while rationalist writers tended to explore abstract ideas and theoretical concepts. This distinction shaped the literary landscape, leading to a greater prevalence of realism as an expression of empirical values.
• Evaluate the significance of empiricism in shaping modern literary realism and its impact on contemporary narratives.
  • Empiricism has been crucial in shaping modern literary realism by establishing a framework where storytelling is grounded in observable reality. This has led contemporary narratives to emphasize authenticity and relatable characters based on real-life experiences. The focus on empirical evidence encourages writers to depict social issues and human experiences in a way that resonates with readers, thus reinforcing the relevance of realism in today's diverse literary landscape.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach asserting that reason and intellect are the primary sources of knowledge, often contrasted with empiricism.

Naturalism: A literary movement closely related to realism that portrays life as determined by environment, heredity, and social conditions.

Observation: The active acquisition of information through the senses, which is central to the empirical method and scientific inquiry.