EMPIRICISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Empiricists are individuals who adhere to the philosophical doctrine of empiricism. Empiricism is a theory that emphasizes the importance of experience, observation, and sensory perception as the primary sources of knowledge. Empiricists believe that knowledge is gained through direct perception of the external world, and they reject the notion that innate ideas or reasoning alone can provide a foundation for understanding.
Empiricists assert that all knowledge arises from sensory experiences, which serve as evidence for beliefs and general principles. They argue that these experiences lead to the formation of concepts and theories that can be tested and refined through further observation and experimentation. This means that empirical evidence is crucial in verifying or falsifying hypotheses, and in driving scientific or rational inquiry.
Empiricists also emphasize the role of induction in acquiring knowledge. They argue that general principles can be derived from specific instances or observations by identifying regularities or patterns in the data. These generalizations can then be used to make predictions and form the basis for scientific laws.
Prominent figures in the empiricist tradition include John Locke, David Hume, and George Berkeley. Empiricism has significantly influenced fields such as psychology, natural sciences, and philosophy of science, where the importance of empirical evidence and observation remain central to investigating and understanding the natural world.
Common Misspellings for EMPIRICISTS
Etymology of EMPIRICISTS
The word "empiricists" is derived from the noun "empiric", which in turn comes from the Latin word "empiricus" and the Greek word "empirikós". In the late 16th century, "empiric" referred to a person who relied solely on practical experience rather than theory or knowledge derived from formal education. It was often used to describe medical practitioners who relied on trial and error rather than scientific principles. The term "empiricist" then emerged in the 18th century as a philosophical term to describe thinkers who emphasized the importance of experience and observed facts over innate ideas or theories.
Similar spelling words for EMPIRICISTS
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