empiricism
nounUK /ɪmˈpɪrɪsɪzəm/
US /ɪmˈpɪrɪsɪzəm/
Empiricism is the idea that we learn best by seeing and trying things for ourselves.
The scientist's empiricism led her to test every claim in the lab rather than trust old stories.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A medical practice based only on observation and experience rather than theory.
Early doctors who relied on empiricism recorded what actually helped their patients.
3. The belief that all knowledge comes from the senses.
In philosophy class we compared empiricism with the idea that reason alone gives us truth.
4. A practical, no-nonsense way of doing things.
Her empiricism at work meant she trusted results, not guesses.