Empirical
- Knowledge derived from observation or experimentation and verifiable through measurement.
- Collected using methods like hypothesis formation and experimental testing.
- Used to inform decisions in areas such as science, medicine, and public policy.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”Empirical refers to knowledge or information that is based on observation or experimentation, rather than on theory or pure logic. This means that empirical knowledge is derived from the senses and can be verified through observation and measurement.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”Empirical knowledge is obtained by observing phenomena and conducting experiments that produce measurable data. The scientific method is a common approach: form a hypothesis about a phenomenon, design experiments to test that hypothesis, gather data, and use the results to support or refute the hypothesis. Because empirical findings are based on observable, measurable data, they can be verified by others and do not rely on individual beliefs or subjective interpretation.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Gravity
Section titled “Gravity”Through observation and experimentation, scientists have measured the force of gravity and how it affects objects on Earth and in space. This knowledge has been used to develop technologies such as satellites and spacecraft, which rely on the principles of gravity to function.
Effects of Medications
Section titled “Effects of Medications”To determine the safety and effectiveness of a drug, medical researchers conduct experiments on human subjects or animals to collect data on the drug’s effects. This data is then used to make informed decisions about the use of the medication.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”- Medicine: A doctor may use empirical data from clinical trials to determine the most effective treatment for a patient.
- Public policy: A policymaker may use empirical data from research studies to develop policies that address social or economic issues.
Notes or pitfalls
Section titled “Notes or pitfalls”- Empirical knowledge is valuable because it can be independently verified through observation and measurement.
- It contrasts with non-empirical knowledge (for example, certain religious beliefs or philosophical theories), which may not be supported by observable evidence and can vary between individuals.
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Scientific method
- Hypothesis
- Observation
- Experimentation
- Clinical trials