empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
Examples
In a meeting
“Our product development follows empiricism—we test everything with real users before launch.”
Over coffee
“I'm a believer in empiricism; I need to try things myself before I'm convinced.”
Why this word
observation
empiricism is the philosophical doctrine that knowledge comes from sensory experience, while observation is simply the act of watching
experience
empiricism is the epistemological theory privileging sensory evidence, while experience is the actual events one encounters
experimentation
empiricism is the philosophical position about knowledge sources, while experimentation is a method of testing
Usage tip
Use when emphasizing evidence-based approaches over theory. Contrasts with speculation or untested assumptions.
Etymology
Greek 'empeiria' meaning 'experience'
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based
dogma
A principle or belief accepted without question
ontology
The nature of being or categories of existence