Empiricism: meaning, definitions and examples

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empiricism

[ɪˈmɪrɪˌsɪzəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

scientific method

Empiricism is the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience. It emphasizes the role of experience and evidence, especially sensory perception, in the formation of ideas and beliefs.

Synonyms

experientialism, observationism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
empiricism	This term is commonly used in scientific and philosophical discussions to describe the theory that all knowledge originates from sensory experiences. It often appears in academic papers, research articles, and debates about the nature of knowledge. Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes from observation and experience, not from innate ideas or reasoning alone. The researchers used empiricism as their foundational method to gather data and test their hypotheses.
experientialism	This word is often used in educational and psychological contexts to emphasize learning or understanding through direct experience. It is prevalent in discussions about experiential learning, therapy, and personal development. In experientialism, the focus is on learning by doing and reflecting on those experiences. Experientialism in education promotes hands-on activities and real-world scenarios as key teaching tools.
observationism	This term is less commonly used but can describe a method or philosophy that prioritizes observation in the acquisition of knowledge. It's often applied in scientific contexts where systematic observation is crucial. Observationism serves as a fundamental principle in fields like astronomy and biology, where careful observation can lead to significant discoveries. The scientist's approach was rooted in observationism, meticulously recording every detail of the experiment.

Word

Description / Examples

empiricism

This term is commonly used in scientific and philosophical discussions to describe the theory that all knowledge originates from sensory experiences. It often appears in academic papers, research articles, and debates about the nature of knowledge.

Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes from observation and experience, not from innate ideas or reasoning alone.
The researchers used empiricism as their foundational method to gather data and test their hypotheses.

experientialism

This word is often used in educational and psychological contexts to emphasize learning or understanding through direct experience. It is prevalent in discussions about experiential learning, therapy, and personal development.

In experientialism, the focus is on learning by doing and reflecting on those experiences.
Experientialism in education promotes hands-on activities and real-world scenarios as key teaching tools.

observationism

This term is less commonly used but can describe a method or philosophy that prioritizes observation in the acquisition of knowledge. It's often applied in scientific contexts where systematic observation is crucial.

Observationism serves as a fundamental principle in fields like astronomy and biology, where careful observation can lead to significant discoveries.
The scientist's approach was rooted in observationism, meticulously recording every detail of the experiment.

Examples of usage

Scientists rely on empiricism to validate their theories through experiments and observations.
Empiricism rejects the idea of innate ideas and emphasizes the importance of sensory experience.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophy

In philosophy, empiricism is a theory that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience. It argues that knowledge is based on experience and that there are no innate ideas or truths.

Synonyms

experientialism, sensationalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
empiricism	Empiricism is used in scientific discussions or academic contexts to describe a method of acquiring knowledge through observation and experience rather than theory or pure logic. The scientist's approach to the problem was grounded in empiricism, relying on gathered data and experiments. Philosophies such as empiricism prioritize evidence from sensory experience to form conclusions.
experientialism	Experientialism focuses on the role of experience in the development of human knowledge. It is often used in philosophical discussions or contexts that emphasize personal experience as a source of knowledge. Experientialism suggests that knowledge is deeply rooted in individual experiences. According to experientialism, our perception of reality is shaped by our own personal interactions with the world.
sensationalism	Sensationalism is used to describe the practice of prioritizing sensational or exciting information over factual accuracy, often in media. It has a negative connotation. The newspaper was criticized for its sensationalism, as it often exaggerated stories to attract readers. Sensationalism in journalism can lead to misinformation and public panic.

Word

Description / Examples

empiricism

Empiricism is used in scientific discussions or academic contexts to describe a method of acquiring knowledge through observation and experience rather than theory or pure logic.

The scientist's approach to the problem was grounded in empiricism, relying on gathered data and experiments.
Philosophies such as empiricism prioritize evidence from sensory experience to form conclusions.

experientialism

Experientialism focuses on the role of experience in the development of human knowledge. It is often used in philosophical discussions or contexts that emphasize personal experience as a source of knowledge.

Experientialism suggests that knowledge is deeply rooted in individual experiences.
According to experientialism, our perception of reality is shaped by our own personal interactions with the world.

sensationalism

Sensationalism is used to describe the practice of prioritizing sensational or exciting information over factual accuracy, often in media. It has a negative connotation.

The newspaper was criticized for its sensationalism, as it often exaggerated stories to attract readers.
Sensationalism in journalism can lead to misinformation and public panic.

Examples of usage

John Locke and David Hume are famous philosophers known for their contributions to empiricism.
Empiricism challenges rationalism by asserting that all knowledge is based on sensory experience.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term has roots in the Greek word 'empeiria,' meaning experience, and it emerged during the Renaissance as a contrast to pure reason.
Philosophers like John Locke and David Hume were key figures in developing empiricism as a way to understand knowledge through sensory experience.
The idea gained substantial traction in the 17th century, shaping the scientific method and underpinning modern science.

Science

Empiricism is foundational to the scientific method, where hypotheses are tested through observations and experiments.
In medical research, empirical methods are vital for developing treatments, relying on clinical trials to determine effectiveness.
The practice encourages skepticism; scientists must verify findings through repeated experiments and observations.

Philosophy

Empiricism stands in contrast to rationalism, which asserts that knowledge can be gained through reason and deductive logic alone.
Many empiricists argue that all knowledge is ultimately derived from sensory experience, highlighting the importance of physical evidence.
This philosophy has influenced various branches, including psychology and ethics, by emphasizing observable impacts over theoretical constructs.

Education

Education programs often incorporate empirical methods, promoting learning through hands-on experiences rather than rote memorization.
Empirical approaches in classrooms can include experiments in science labs or field trips that allow students to engage directly with material.
Active learning strategies, such as problem-based learning, are rooted in empirical principles by focusing on real-world applications.

Cultural Impact

The Enlightenment period celebrated empirical methods, leading to advances in arts, sciences, and the questioning of traditional authority.
Contemporary media often emphasizes empirical evidence when discussing social and political issues, shaping public debates and policies.
Art movements, such as Impressionism, were influenced by empirical observations of light and color, reflecting a shift toward experiential interpretation.

Translations

Translations of the word "empiricism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empirismo

🇮🇳 अनुभववाद

🇩🇪 Empirismus

🇮🇩 empirisme

🇺🇦 емпіризм

🇵🇱 empiryzm

🇯🇵 経験主義 (けいけんしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 empirisme

🇪🇸 empirismo

🇹🇷 ampirizm

🇰🇷 경험주의 (gyeongheomjuui)

🇸🇦 التجريبية

🇨🇿 empirismus

🇸🇰 empirizmus

🇨🇳 经验主义 (jīngyàn zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 empirizem

🇮🇸 raunhyggja

🇰🇿 эмпиризм

🇬🇪 ემპირიზმი

🇦🇿 empirizm

🇲🇽 empirismo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,870, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18867 ladle
18868 octavo
18869 slicing
18870 empiricism
18871 derangement
18872 paranoia
18873 permutation
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