Empiricist: meaning, definitions and examples
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empiricist
[ษmหpษชrษชsษชst ]
Definitions
philosophy approach
An empiricist is a person who believes that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. This viewpoint is often contrasted with rationalism, which asserts that knowledge can be gained through intuition and reason alone. Empiricists emphasize the role of evidence, particularly as discovered in experiments and observations, in the formation of ideas. They argue that all concepts or propositions must be ultimately grounded in experience. This approach has significantly influenced the development of modern scientific methods.
Synonyms
observer, pragmatist, realist.
Examples of usage
- John Locke is a notable empiricist.
- Empiricists advocate for data-driven conclusions.
- His empiricist methods led to significant discoveries.
- Many scientists adopt an empiricist perspective.
scientific viewpoint
An empiricist in the scientific context refers to someone who relies on experiment and observation rather than theory alone in their approach to understanding the world. In this sense, empiricism is a foundational concept in the philosophy of science. Empiricists often utilize the scientific method as a framework to test their hypotheses and gather data.
Synonyms
data-driven thinker, experimentalist.
Examples of usage
- The empiricist approach is fundamental in experimental science.
- As an empiricist, she values peer-reviewed research.
- The empiricist scientist conducted multiple trials.
- Understanding phenomena requires an empiricist attitude.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Greek word 'empeiria,' meaning experience.
- It gained popularity in the 17th century during the rise of scientific thought, distinguishing those who valued observation over speculation.
- Prominent figures like John Locke and David Hume are considered key influences, advocating for knowledge through sensory experiences.
Philosophy
- Empiricism contrasts with rationalism, the belief that we can gain knowledge through reason and logic alone.
- It plays a significant role in the scientific method, emphasizing experimentation and evidence in forming conclusions.
- Many modern philosophers use empirical methods to test their theories, bridging philosophy and science.
Science
- This approach has led to breakthroughs across various scientific fields, including psychology, biology, and physics.
- Empirical studies analyze data gathered from experiments, providing solid foundations for theories.
- The rise of technology has enhanced empiricist approaches through advanced observation tools like telescopes and microscopes.
Education
- Empirical learning techniques encourage hands-on experiences, such as experiments in chemistry or field trips in biology.
- Many educational programs focus on inquiry-based learning, where students explore questions through observation and discussion.
- Teachers often promote critical thinking by encouraging students to test their ideas and learn from real-world observations.
Cultural Impact
- In literature, empiricism led to a more realistic portrayal of characters and settings, moving away from purely imaginative tales.
- Many art movements, like realism, echo empiricist ideas by emphasizing observation of the world as it is.
- Popular media often explores themes of empiricism, portraying characters who rely on firsthand experience to solve problems.
Translations
Translations of the word "empiricist" in other languages:
๐ต๐น empirista
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคจเฅเคญเคตเคตเคพเคฆเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Empirist
๐ฎ๐ฉ empiris
๐บ๐ฆ ะตะผะฟััััั
๐ต๐ฑ empirysta
๐ฏ๐ต ็ต้จไธป็พฉ่
๐ซ๐ท empiriste
๐ช๐ธ empirista
๐น๐ท empirist
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ฒฝํ์ฃผ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุฌุฑูุจู
๐จ๐ฟ empirista
๐ธ๐ฐ empirista
๐จ๐ณ ็ป้ชไธปไน่
๐ธ๐ฎ empirist
๐ฎ๐ธ empiristi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะผะฟะธัะธัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ แแกแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ empirist
๐ฒ๐ฝ empirista
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #25,077, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 25074 doze
- 25075 resettled
- 25076 egocentric
- 25077 empiricist
- 25078 rescheduling
- 25079 sprinted
- 25080 misgiving
- ...