Empíricus

Empíricus is a Latin term that translates to "empirical" in English. It refers to knowledge, theory, or practice that is based on observation and experience rather than on theory or pure reason. In philosophy, empiricism is a theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience. This contrasts with rationalism, which emphasizes the role of reason and innate ideas in acquiring knowledge.

The term "empíricus" is often associated with the scientific method, which relies heavily on empirical evidence to support or refute hypotheses. Scientific inquiry involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments to test these hypotheses, and drawing conclusions based on the results. This iterative process of observation, experimentation, and conclusion is a cornerstone of empirical investigation.

Historically, the concept of empirical knowledge has been explored by many philosophers. Aristotle, for instance, emphasized the importance of sensory experience in understanding the world. Later, thinkers like John Locke and David Hume are prominent figures in the development of empiricist philosophy, arguing that the human mind is a blank slate at birth and that all knowledge is derived from experience.

In practical terms, "empíricus" can describe a person who relies on practical experience and observation to guide their actions, often without formal training or theoretical understanding. This is sometimes referred to as "rule-of-thumb" knowledge. However, in academic and scientific contexts, the term typically denotes a systematic approach to acquiring knowledge through verifiable data and observation.