What is the historical background of empiricism?

Philosophy Skepticism And Empiricism Questions



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What is the historical background of empiricism?

The historical background of empiricism can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, particularly with the teachings of philosophers such as Heraclitus and Democritus. However, it gained significant prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries with the rise of the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment period. Empiricism was heavily influenced by the works of Francis Bacon, John Locke, and David Hume, among others. These philosophers emphasized the importance of sensory experience and observation as the primary source of knowledge, rejecting innate ideas or concepts. Empiricism challenged the prevailing philosophical views of rationalism and emphasized the need for empirical evidence and experimentation in understanding the world.