Empiricism - a philosophical trend that recognizes the human feelings and direct experience as the dominant source of knowledge.Empiricists do not deny completely theoretical or rational knowledge, but the construction of reasoning is based solely on the results of studies or recorded observations.
methodology
This approach stems from the fact that the emerging science XVI-XVIII centuries (and at that time formed the basic concepts of the epistemological tradition) had to oppose his own approach as opposed to long-established practice of the religious vision of the world.Naturally, the other way than the opposition a priori knowledge of the mystical, was not.
In addition, it was found that empiricism - it is also a convenient methodology for collecting primary information, the field of research and accumulation of facts that diverge from the religious interpretation of the knowledge of the world.Empiricism in this regard proved convenient mechanism, allowing different sciences first declare its autocephalous status in relation to mysticism, and then and autonomy in comparison with the comprehensive knowledge to theorize too late Middle Ages.
representatives
believed that empiricism in philosophy has created a new intellectual situation that allowed science to get a good chance for self-development.However, one can not deny some disagreement among empiricists, explained that finding the optimal formula of sensory perception of the world.
For example, Francis Bacon, which is considered the founder of sensory perception, thought that empiricism - is not just a way to get new skills and gain practical experience, but also the ability to organize scientific knowledge.Using the method of induction, he made the first attempt to classify all known science on an example of history, poetry (Philology) and, of course, philosophy.
Thomas Hobbes, in his turn, while remaining within the framework of the epistemological paradigms Bacon tried to give a philosophical quest for practical value.However, his quest actually led to the creation of a new political theory (the concept of the social contract) and then political science in its modern form.
matter to George Berkeley, that is the world, not objectively exist.Knowledge of the world is only possible through the interpretation of sensory experience of God.Thus, empiricism - it is also a special type of mystical knowledge, contrary to the basic methodological principles laid down even Francis Bacon.Rather, we are talking about resuscitation of Platonic tradition: the world is full of ideas and spirits that is taken, but not to know.Hence, the laws of nature - just a "bunch" of ideas and spirits, not more.
Rationalism
In contrast, empiricism, rationalism recognized primary theoretical knowledge in relation to practical experience.Knowledge is possible only with the help of reason and empiricism - it's just a check of rationalist designs, built by our mind.Such an approach is not surprising when you consider the "mathematical" Cartesian origins of this methodology.Mathematics overly abstract, and hence - a natural advantage over rational experience.
What is the unity of views?
However, it should be noted that the empiricism and rationalism of modern times set themselves the same objectives: the liberation from the Catholic, and indeed religious dogma.Hence, the goal was united - the creation of a purely scientific knowledge.Only empiricists have chosen the path of construction of the humanitarian practices, which then became the basis of the humanities.While rationalists went in the footsteps of natural sciences.In other words, the so-called "exact" science - a product of the Cartesian way of thinking.
