what method was used to aquire knowledge before the advent of the scientific method?

Answer 1

Before the advent of the scientific methods which entail experimentations. The method used for acquiring knowledge was done mostly thru the use of observational skills. The crude methods employed were mostly on a trial and error methods.

Answer 2

In the 'bad old days' and still in many parts of the world the process of trial and error was the norm. Which is to say that if you couldn't write it down or record your work, to pass on to someone else, then they would just have to do it all over again. the situation was a sort of school of 'hard knocks' if you like. In the so called scientific world there was alchemy which did produce some marvelous discoveries, but it was a bit chaotic and haphazard.

Answer 3

Un-scientific methods, my dear miss, pure and simple un-scientific methods, obviously.

Whatelse could there have been?

Answer 4

We are an empirical society.
The difference to-day is the added knowledge that we have gained.

Answer 5

General thought somewhat like philosophy. Look at Aristotle and his earth, wind, fire, and water theory. Some times faith "Earth is the center of the universe"