empiricism

Noun
Synonyms: empiricist philosophysensationalismquackery

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experienceSynonyms: empiricist philosophysensationalism
  2. the application of empirical methods in any art or science
  3. medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findingsSynonyms: quackery
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Empiricism \Em*pir"i*cism\, n.

1.The method or practice of an empiric; pursuit of knowledge by observation and experiment. [1913 Webster]

2.Specifically, a practice of medicine founded on mere experience, without the aid of science or a knowledge of principles; ignorant and unscientific practice; charlatanry; quackery. [1913 Webster]

3.(Metaph.) The philosophical theory which attributes the origin of all our knowledge to experience. [1913 Webster]

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