Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical doctrine: The theory that all knowledge originates in experience, particularly sensory experience. It holds that observation and experiment are the primary sources of knowledge about the world.
   • A practical approach: A method or practice that relies on observation, evidence, and experiment rather than theory or pure logic.
   • A disregard for scientific knowledge: (In specific contexts, such as historical or medical) The practice of relying solely on practical experience while ignoring established scientific findings.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The scientist's work was grounded in empiricism, as she trusted only data collected from controlled experiments.
  • Early modern philosophy was shaped by the debate between rationalism and empiricism.
  • (In a historical context) The doctor's stubborn empiricism led him to reject the new germ theory.

Advanced Usage

• "Radical empiricism": A philosophical position, notably associated with William James, that argues experience is the ultimate reality and includes relations and connections as directly experienced.

  • His philosophy moved beyond simple sensation-based empiricism toward a more holistic radical empiricism.

• "Logical empiricism": Also known as logical positivism, a 20th-century philosophical movement that combined empiricism with insights from formal logic, emphasizing verifiability.

  • Logical empiricism sought to clarify scientific language and eliminate metaphysical statements.

Variants and Related Words

• Empirical (adj): Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory.
  • They needed empirical evidence to support their hypothesis.
• Empiricist (n): A person who supports or practices empiricism.
  • David Hume is considered a leading empiricist.
• Empiric (n/adj): (Archaic) A person who relies solely on practical experience, especially a physician; or, adjective meaning empirical.
  • The old empiric healed with herbs based on tradition, not science.

Synonyms

• Experientialism: Emphasis on experience as the source of knowledge.
• Observation: The action or process of closely observing.
• Experimentalism: A philosophical or methodological commitment to experiment as a source of knowledge.

Related Phrases

• "Empirical data": Information acquired by observation or experimentation.
  • The report was compelling because it was based on solid empirical data.
• "Empirical research": Research using empirical evidence, derived from direct observation or experience.
  • Her thesis involved years of empirical research in the field.

Related Idioms

• "The proof is in the pudding": This idiom reflects an empirical attitude, meaning the real value or truth of something can only be judged by practical experience and results.
  • You can talk about your idea all day, but the proof is in the pudding—let's test it.

Noun

1. medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings
2. the application of empirical methods in any art or science
3. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience