empirizmi

Empiricism is a philosophical theory that states all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It contrasts with rationalism, which holds that reason is the chief source of knowledge. Empiricist philosophers emphasize observation, experimentation, and evidence gathered through the senses as the foundation for understanding the world.

Key figures in empiricism include John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume. Locke argued that the mind at birth is a tabula rasa, or blank slate, upon which experience writes. He distinguished between simple ideas, directly perceived through the senses, and complex ideas, formed by combining simple ones. Berkeley proposed idealism, suggesting that to be is to be perceived, meaning that the existence of objects depends on their being observed by a mind. Hume, a radical empiricist, questioned the certainty of knowledge, particularly regarding causality and the existence of a continuous self, arguing that these concepts are inferences from sensory impressions rather than direct experiences.

The empiricist approach has been highly influential in the development of the scientific method, which relies heavily on empirical evidence and testable hypotheses. However, critics point out that pure empiricism might struggle to account for abstract concepts, mathematical truths, or logical principles that do not seem to be directly derived from sensory input. Despite these challenges, empiricism remains a cornerstone of many epistemological debates.