Empiricism: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.