Empiricism focuses largely on sensory perception, but how do empiricists prove the reliablity of their senses? By observing their sensory organs? Isn't that circular reasoning?
Please explain, thanks.
2007-01-25 09:05:44 · 3 answers · asked by Theophile 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Empiricism is a theory that all knowledge originates in experience. (It also means quackery in medicine, which should tell you something)
If knowledge is from experience, it seems everyone would have to walk in front of a speeding car to find out it may hurt you. Did you know a human baby is afraid of falling? Before it even knows how to speak or communicate. How could he have knowledge of falling if he never fell or no one ever told him about it?
2007-01-25 09:26:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Empiricism does not rely on the senses, it relies on observation, which may or may not require the senses. I, for instance, need none of my senses to have a clear idea of my own existence, since to doubt that I exist requires some (at least) mental being to be here doing the doubting.
2007-01-25 09:30:27 · answer #2 · answered by neil s 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Empiricism is garbage!
Hume was a fool!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catholiccommunity/message/51295
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2007-01-25 10:49:38 · answer #3 · answered by Catholic Philosopher 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋