Empiricism

Definition

Empiricism is a philosophical belief that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and evidence, emphasizing observation and experimentation. This approach rejects the notion that knowledge can be gained through intuition or revelation alone and instead champions a systematic collection of data as the basis for understanding reality. Empiricism laid the groundwork for modern scientific methods and influenced many key authors who explored the relationship between human experience and knowledge in their writings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Empiricism has roots in the works of philosophers like John Locke and David Hume, who argued that human understanding is shaped by experience and observation.
2. Locke introduced the idea of the mind as a 'tabula rasa' or blank slate, suggesting that individuals acquire knowledge through experiences rather than innate concepts.
3. Hume's skepticism about causality emphasized the limits of human understanding, arguing that our beliefs about cause and effect are grounded in habit rather than rational justification.
4. The rise of empiricism contributed significantly to the development of the natural sciences during the Enlightenment, marking a shift toward observation-based methodologies.
5. Empirical methods challenged traditional philosophical approaches, influencing literary figures to adopt more realistic portrayals of human experience in their works.

Review Questions

• How did key philosophers like John Locke and David Hume shape the principles of empiricism?
  • John Locke and David Hume were instrumental in developing empiricism by arguing that knowledge arises from sensory experiences rather than innate ideas. Locke viewed the mind as a blank slate that is filled through interactions with the world, while Hume emphasized skepticism towards causality and the importance of habit in shaping human beliefs. Their ideas laid a foundation for empirical methods, encouraging later thinkers to adopt observational evidence as the basis for understanding reality.
• Discuss the impact of empiricism on the development of the scientific method during the Enlightenment.
  • Empiricism significantly impacted the scientific method by promoting observation and experimentation as essential components of inquiry. During the Enlightenment, thinkers began to prioritize empirical evidence over speculation, leading to a more rigorous approach to understanding natural phenomena. This shift allowed for advancements in various fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics, establishing a systematic framework that still underpins modern science today.
• Evaluate how empiricism influenced literary figures of the late 17th to mid-19th century in their portrayal of human experience.
  • Empiricism influenced literary figures by encouraging them to depict human experience in more realistic terms, reflecting observations of everyday life and society. Writers began to focus on characters' sensory experiences and emotions, moving away from idealized portrayals to explore psychological depth and complexity. This shift not only enriched literary narratives but also aligned literature more closely with emerging scientific ideas about human behavior and cognition, ultimately transforming how stories were crafted during this period.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A philosophical belief that reason and intellect are the primary sources of knowledge, often contrasting with empiricism by emphasizing deduction and innate ideas.

Scientific Method:

A systematic approach to inquiry that involves forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, observing results, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence.

Induction: A logical reasoning process that involves forming generalizations based on specific observations or instances, often used in conjunction with empirical research.