empiricism
em-PIR-uh-siz-um
/ɪmˈpɪr.ɪ.sɪz.əm/
The philosophical doctrine that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience and physical observation.
Emphasizes hands-on data collection, experimentation, and observable evidence over abstract theory or pure logic.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to ancient Greek 'empeiria', meaning experience or trial, derived from 'en' (in) and 'peira' (trial or attempt). In ancient Rome, 'empirici' were physicians who based their treatments on observed experience rather than dogmatic medical theories. By the seventeenth century, philosophers like Locke formalized empiricism as the doctrine that the mind begins as a blank slate (tabula rasa) written upon only by sensory experience.
Word relationships
- sensationalism: Sensationalism specifically highlights sensory perception as the origin of ideas, whereas empiricism encompasses broad scientific experimentation.
- observationalism: Observationalism focuses strictly on passive watching, whereas empiricism includes active experimental intervention.
- rationalism: Rationalism holds that reason and intellect, independent of sensory experience, are the primary sources of knowledge.
Commonly confused with
- pragmatism: Pragmatism evaluates truth based on practical success and utility, while empiricism evaluates truth based on observational evidence.
Word family
- empiricist (noun): A practitioner or advocate of empiricism.
- empirical (adjective): Based on observation or experience rather than theory.
- empirically (adverb): By means of observation or experiment.
Collocations
- strict empiricism
- radical empiricism
- empirical data
- foundation of empiricism
Example sentences
- "Modern science owes its experimental foundation to British empiricism, championed by thinkers like John Locke and David Hume." Philosophical history
- "Empiricism as a formal doctrine insists that sensory experience forms the sole ground of all true knowledge." Classic citation (Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy)
Memory hook
Think of an EMPEROR inspecting physical troops in person rather than trusting theoretical reports back at the palace—he relies on EMPIRicism. Sensory observation over abstract reasoning.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general practical experience or casual trial-and-error in daily chores.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, calling a doctor an 'empiric' was sometimes a mild insult implying they lacked theoretical training, though today empirical science is the highest gold standard.
Related words
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