empeíria

Empeiria is a term originating from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly associated with Aristotle. It refers to knowledge gained through sensory experience, observation, and repeated encounters with specific instances. Unlike theoretical knowledge (episteme) or practical know-how (techne), empeiria is characterized by its empirical and often unsystematic nature. It is the accumulation of facts and observations that allows one to recognize patterns and make predictions, even without a full understanding of the underlying causes or principles. For example, a cook who knows that a certain herb improves a dish through repeated use, without necessarily understanding its chemical properties, possesses empeiria. Aristotle distinguished empeiria from scientific knowledge, suggesting that while experience is the foundation upon which scientific understanding is built, it does not itself constitute science. It is the transition from multiple perceptions to a universal proposition that marks the beginning of scientific inquiry. In essence, empeiria is the raw material of knowledge, providing the data from which deeper understanding can eventually be derived.