science

definition of empirical science

There are different ways of knowing. Empirical science is one of the most valued sources of information today since it is a type of knowledge supported by experiential research that shows concrete data. The empirical sciences work from hypotheses that they try to contrast based on experience in order to be able to verify these hypotheses or discard them from the elaboration of experiments.

Empirical science is also that method of knowledge that places great value on observation in order to establish universal laws. One of the principles that empirical science has deduced from observation is that every effect has a prior cause. Therefore, in order to delve into the nature of the effect, it is also positive to know the cause that produces it.

Hypothetical deductive method

The method used by this type of knowledge is the hypothetical-deductive. A type of knowledge different from that of the human sciences whose object of study cannot be experienced visually or quantitatively. In the context of empirical sciences, natural sciences have a great weight, which are those that deepen the knowledge of the universe and the natural environment.

Physics, chemistry and biology are sciences that are framed in this context and show a deterministic view of reality.

The empirical sciences show a system of principles that serves to explain the causes and effects of phenomena. That is, through this type of knowledge it is possible to better understand the world and also, in the case of psychology, it is possible to better understand human behavior and mental health.

Study of objective reality

Empirical science delves into the nature of phenomena prioritizing observation, so the senses, which are based on experience, are very important. The senses provide added information to reason.

Philosophy, on the other hand, also has the transcendent reality as its object of study and its value is not reduced to the accumulation of objective data, but speculative reflection also has a lot of weight. However, it should be pointed out that philosophy has also reflected on the essence of empirical science. Hume is one of the authors who has deepened the most in this regard.

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