Definition of Empirical Science
Miscellanea / / November 13, 2021
By Maite Nicuesa, in Oct. 2015
There are different ways of knowing. Empirical science is one of the most valued sources of information today since it is a type of knowledge supported by the investigation experiential that shows concrete data. The empirical sciences work from hypothesis that they try to contrast from the experience with the aim of being able to verify said hypotheses or discard them from the elaboration of experiments.
Empirical science is also that method of knowledge that places great value on the observation with the aim of being able to establish universal laws. One of the principles that empirical science has deduced from observation is that every effect has a prior cause. Therefore, in order to delve into the nature of the effect, it is also positive to know the cause that produces it.
Hypothetical deductive method
The method used by this type of knowledge is the hypothetical-deductive. A type of knowledge different from that of the human sciences whose object of study cannot be experienced visually or quantitatively. In the context of empirical sciences, the
natural Sciences which are those that deepen the knowledge of the universe and the natural environment.Physics, chemistry and biology are sciences that are framed in this context and show a deterministic view of reality.
The empirical sciences show a system of principles that serves to explain the causes and effects of phenomena. That is, through this type of knowledge it is possible to better understand the world and also, in the case of psychology, it is possible to better understand human behavior and mental health.
Study of objective reality
Empirical science delves into the nature of phenomena prioritizing observation, so that senses, which are based on experience is very important. The senses provide added information to reason.
The philosophy, on the contrary, it also has as object of study the transcendent reality and its value is not reduces to the accumulation of objective data but also, reflection has a lot of weight speculative. However, it should be pointed out that philosophy has also reflected on the essence of empirical science. Hume is one of the authors who has deepened the most in this regard.
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