Empiricism is a philosophical movement who believes in human experiences as the only responsible for the formation of ideas and concepts existing in the world.
Empiricism is characterized by scientific knowledge, when wisdom is acquired by perceptions; by the origin of ideas, where things are perceived, regardless of their goals or meanings.
Empiricism consists of an epistemological theory that indicates that all knowledge is a result of experience, and therefore, a consequence of the senses. Experience establishes the value, origin and limits of knowledge.
The main theorist of empiricism was the English philosopher John Locke (1632 – 1704), who defended the idea that the human mind is a "blank sheet" or a "blank slate", where external impressions are engraved. Therefore, he does not recognize the existence of innate ideas, nor of universal knowledge.
As a theory that opposes Rationalism, empiricism criticizes metaphysics and concepts such as cause and substance. That is, the entire process of knowing, knowing and acting is learned through experience, trial and error.
Etymologically, this term has a double origin. The word may have originated from Latin and also from a Greek expression, deriving from a more specific usage, used to appoint physicians who have skills and knowledge of practical experience and not the instruction of the theory.
In addition to John Locke, there were several other prominent authors in the formation of the concept of empiricism, such as Francis Bacon, David Hume and John Stuart Mill.
Currently, logical empiricism is known as neopositivism, created by the Vienna Circle. Within empiricism, there are three empirical lines: the integral, the moderate and the scientific.
In science, empiricism is used when we talk about the traditional scientific method, which originates from philosophical empiricism, who argues that scientific theories should be based on observation of the world, rather than on intuition or faith, as it were. past.
Empiricism and Rationalism
Empiricism and Rationalism are two opposing philosophical currents.
Rationalism addresses the theme of knowledge from the exact sciences, while Empiricism gives more importance to the experimental sciences.
According to Rationalism, knowledge is achieved by making good use of reason, and not the senses, because the information obtained through the senses may be wrong, because it is possible for there to be a mistake in what is heard or see.
Learn more about the meaning of Rationalism.
Empiricism and Innateism
Innatism is a current of philosophical thought totally opposite to that of Empiricism.
Inatism believes that the knowledge is innate to human beings, that is, the individuals are born with certain knowledge.
Throughout life, however, innatists believe that individuals must receive stimuli so that all existing knowledge can develop.
Knowledge would be passed on from generation to generation through heredity.
Learn more about the meaning of innateness.
Empiricism and Enlightenment
The Enlightenment, also known as the "Epoch of Enlightenment", was a period of structural transformations especially in Europe, where the themes revolved around Freedom, Progress and Man.
Unlike empiricism, the Enlightenment placed great importance on reason, always seeking to mobilize its power.
Find out more about the meaning of Enlightenment.
Empiricism and Criticism
Criticism is a philosophical current that indicates reason as essential to achieve knowledge, without the need to resort to the senses.
Immanuel Kant, creator of Criticism, used this philosophy to bring a common point between empiricism and rationalism.
Kant states that sensitivity and understanding are two important faculties in obtaining knowledge, and the information captured by the senses will be shaped by reason.
