empiricism

/ɛmˈpɪrəˌsɪzəm/

Other forms: empiricisms

Empiricism means a method of study relying on empirical evidence, which includes things you've experienced: stuff you can see and touch.

Empiricism is based on facts, evidence, and research. Scholars and researchers deal in empiricism. If you believe in the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, or Santa Claus, you're out of the realm of empiricism — there are no facts to support those myths. If you want to get something practical done, or to really know what the deal is with something, empiricism is the way to go.

Definitions of empiricism

1. noun

   (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
   synonyms: empiricist philosophy, sensationalism

   types:

   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)

   Comtism

   Auguste Comte's positivistic philosophy that metaphysics and theology should be replaced by a hierarchy of sciences from mathematics at the base to sociology at the top

   type of:

   philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory

   a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy
2. noun

   the application of empirical methods in any art or science
   type of:

   investigating, investigation

   the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
3. noun

   medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings
   synonyms: quackery

   type of:

   medical practice

   the practice of medicine