Empiricism is a philosophical trend that recognizes human feelings and direct experience as the dominant source of knowledge. Empiricists do not completely deny theoretical or rational knowledge, but the construction of conclusions is made solely on the basis of the results of research or recorded observations.
Methodology
This approach is due to the fact that the nascent science of the XVI-XVIII centuries (and at that time the basic concepts of this epistemological tradition were formed) had to be contrasted with its own approach as opposed to the rooted practices of religious vision of the world. Naturally, there was no other way than opposition to a priori mystical knowledge.
In addition, it turned out that empiricism is also a convenient methodology for collecting primary information, field research and the accumulation of facts that diverge from the religious interpretation of the knowledge of the world. Empiricism in this regard turned out to be a convenient mechanism that allowed various sciences to first declare their autocephaly in relation to mysticism, and then autonomy as compared to the comprehensive, overly theorized knowledge of the late Middle Ages.
Representatives
It is believed that empiricism in philosophy created a new intellectual situation that allowed science to get a good chance of independent development. At the same time, some disagreements among the empiricists cannot be denied, which is explained by the search for the optimal formula for sensory perception of the world.
For example, Francis Bacon, who is rightly considered the founder of sensory knowledge, believed that empiricism is not just a way to gain new knowledge and accumulate practical experience, but also an opportunity to streamline scientific knowledge. Using the induction method, he made the first attempt to qualify all the sciences known to him on the example of history, poetry (philology) and, of course, philosophy.
Thomas Hobbes, in turn, while remaining within the framework of Bacon’s epistemological paradigm, tried to give practical significance to philosophical searches. However, his searches actually led to the creation of a new political theory (the concept of a social contract) and then to political science in its modern form.
For George Berkeley, matter, that is, the surrounding world, objectively did not exist. Cognition of the world is possible only through the interpretation of the sensory experience of God. Thus, empiricism is also a special type of mystical knowledge, which contradicted the basic methodological principles laid down by Francis Bacon. Rather, it is about resuscitation of the Platonic tradition: the world is full of ideas and spirits that remain to be perceived, but not cognized. Hence the laws of nature - just a "bundle" of ideas and spirits, no more.
Rationalism
In contrast to empiricism, rationalism recognized theoretical knowledge as primary in relation to practical experience. Cognition is possible only with the help of the mind, and empiricism is just a test of rationalistic constructions built by our mind. This approach is not surprising given the “mathematical”, Cartesian origin of this methodology. Mathematics is too abstract, and from here - the natural advantage of ratios over experience.
What is the unity of views?
True, it should be noted that empiricism and rationalism of the New Age set themselves the same tasks: liberation from Catholic, and indeed religious dogma. Hence the goal was one - the creation of purely scientific knowledge. Only empiricists chose the path of designing humanitarian practices, which later became the foundation of the humanities. Whereas the rationalists followed in the footsteps of natural science. In other words, the so-called “exact” sciences are a product of the Cartesian way of thinking.
