## Definition - The [[Epistemology|epistemological]] position that **knowledge arises primarily from sensory experience** - Contrasts with [[Rationalism]], which emphasizes reason and innate ideas as sources of knowledge - Forms the foundation of modern scientific inquiry ## Core Concepts - **Tabula rasa**: The mind begins as a “blank slate,” acquiring ideas through experience (Locke) - **Observation over intuition**: Direct sensory input is more reliable than purely rational deduction - **Inductive reasoning**: General principles are derived from specific observations - **Verification**: Truth claims require empirical testing and evidence ## Key Characteristics - Rejects innate ideas or purely a priori knowledge (with limited exceptions) - Supports **experimentation** and repeatable observation as the basis for truth - Central to the [[Scientific Method]] and modern natural sciences - Encourages skepticism toward abstract metaphysical claims without observable evidence ## Historical Perspectives - **John Locke**: Knowledge originates in sensory experience and reflection - **George Berkeley**: Advocated immaterialism; existence tied to [[perception]] ("to be is to be perceived") - **David Hume**: Radicalized empiricism, questioning causation, [[selfhood]], and inductive certainty ## Role in [[Philosophy]] & Science - Provides epistemic justification for experimentation, data collection, and hypothesis testing - Grounds modern [[Causality]] debates in observable phenomena - Influences [[Skepticism]] by questioning claims lacking empirical basis ## Related Concepts - [[Rationalism]] - [[Causality]] - [[Scientific Method]] - [[Skepticism]] - [[Induction]] ## Notable Quotes - "No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." — John Locke - "To be is to be perceived." — George Berkeley - "All our ideas come from experience." — David Hume