em·pir·i·cism ( m-pîr  -sz  m)n. 1. The view that experience, especially of the senses, is the only source of knowledge. 2. a. Employment of empirical methods, as in science. b. An empirical conclusion. 3. The practice of medicine that disregards scientific theory and relies solely on practical experience. em·pir i·cist n. |
empiricism [ɛmˈpɪrɪˌsɪzəm]
n
1. (Philosophy) Philosophy the doctrine that all knowledge of matters of fact derives from experience and that the mind is not furnished with a set of concepts in advance of experience Compare intuitionism, rationalism
2. the use of empirical methods
3. (Medicine) medical quackery; charlatanism
empiricist n & adj
empiricism
1. the doctrine that all ideas and categories are derived from sense experience and that knowledge cannot extend beyond experience, including observation, experiment, and induction.
2. an empirical method or practice. — empiricist, n. — empirical, adj.
See also: Philosophy2. an empirical method or practice. — empiricist, n. — empirical, adj.
a system of acquiring knowledge that rejects all o priori knowledge and relies solely upon observation, experimentation, and induction. Also empirism. — empiricist, n., adj. — empiric, empirical, adj.
See also: Knowledge
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | empiricism - (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience British empiricism - the predominant philosophical tradition in Great Britain since the 17th century experimentalism - an empirical doctrine that advocates experimental principles logical positivism, positivism - the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation) philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory - a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy |
| 2. | empiricism - the application of empirical methods in any art or science investigating, investigation - the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically | |
| 3. | empiricism - medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings medical practice - the practice of medicine |
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