What does "empiricism" mean?
A doctrine which holds that the only or, at least, the most reliable source of human knowledge is experience, especially perception by means of the physical senses. (Often contrasted with rationalism.)
Empiricism
noun
noun ·5 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A doctrine which holds that the only or, at least, the most reliable source of human knowledge is experience, especially perception by means of the physical senses. (Often contrasted with rationalism.)
- Grammar: empiricism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: altruistic ethics, animalism, aretaics, atomism.
- Useful contrasts: cartesian, classical philosophy, grecian rationalism.
- Usage evidence: The prosaic materialism of the majority condemns as madness the flashes of super-sight which penetrate the common veil of obvious empiricism.
How to use "empiricism"
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Source and review context
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A doctrine which holds that the only or, at least, the most reliable source of human knowledge is experience, especially perception by means of the physical senses. (Often contrasted with rationalism.) countable, uncountable
"Empiricism teaches us that we are unceasingly and intimately in contact with a full, living, breathing Reality, that experience is a constant communion with the real."
- 2 medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings wordnet
- 3 A pursuit of knowledge purely through experience, especially by means of observation and sometimes by experimentation. countable, uncountable
"Our whole life in some of its highest and most important aspects is simply empiricism. Empiricism is only another word for experience."
- 4 the application of empirical methods in any art or science wordnet
- 5 Research methodology shaped from empirical philosophy (see above), e.g. surveys, statistics, etc. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience wordnet
- 7 Medicine as practised by an empiric, founded on mere (personal or anecdotal) experience, without the aid of science or a knowledge of principles. countable, historical, uncountable
"Near-synonyms: folk medicine; quackery; charlatanry"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The prosaic materialism of the majority condemns as madness the flashes of super-sight which penetrate the common veil of obvious empiricism."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "empiricism"?
Common synonyms include: altruistic ethics, animalism, aretaics, atomism, behaviorism, casuistry.
How do you use "empiricism" in a sentence?
The prosaic materialism of the majority condemns as madness the flashes of super-sight which penetrate the common veil of obvious empiricism.
Etymology
From empiric + -ism.