n. | 1. | The method or practice of an empiric; pursuit of knowledge by observation and experiment. |
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. | |
3. | (Metaph.) The philosophical theory which attributes the origin of all our knowledge to experience. |
Noun | 1. | empiricism - (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience Synonyms: empiricist philosophy, sensationalism |
2. | empiricism - the application of empirical methods in any art or science | |
3. | empiricism - medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings Synonyms: quackery |