empiricism
English meaning: Empiricism
English Definition
(English)Empiricism is a core epistemological position holding that knowledge must be grounded in evidence gathered through observation, experimentation, and sensory experience. It is foundational to the scientific method and contrasts with rationalism, which holds that reason alone can yield knowledge.
English Definition
The philosophical theory that knowledge derives primarily from sensory experience and observation rather than from innate ideas or pure reason. Major empiricists include John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume.
Example
“Modern science is built on empiricism — hypotheses are accepted only when supported by reproducible experimental evidence.”
In English: “Science relies on empirical evidence gathered through observation and experiment.”
Synonyms
- experimentalism
- induction
- positivism
Antonyms / Opposites
- rationalism
- idealism
- apriorism
Literary Heritage
“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
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Language information
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- English
- English
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- Latin
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- Indo-European
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