Empirija

Empirija is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily in philosophy and historical contexts. In a philosophical sense, empirija is closely related to empiricism, a theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience. This means that observations and sensory perceptions are the basis of all knowledge, rather than innate ideas or reason alone. Empirija, in this context, emphasizes the role of the senses in acquiring information about the world.

Historically, the term "empirija" can also be found in the context of ancient Greek medicine. Here, it referred to a school of physicians who relied heavily on practical experience and observation in their diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. They did not adhere to strict theoretical doctrines but instead learned through trial and error, careful observation of symptoms, and the results of various remedies. This practical, experience-based approach to healing is a key characteristic of empirija in this medical tradition.

Therefore, when encountering the term empirija, it is important to consider the specific field or context to understand its precise meaning. Whether it pertains to the epistemological foundations of knowledge or the practical methodology of ancient physicians, the core idea revolves around the primacy of experience and observation.