Definitions
- Referring to the belief that science is the only valid way of acquiring knowledge about the world. - Describing the tendency to apply scientific methods and principles to areas beyond their scope, such as ethics, politics, or religion. - Talking about the view that science can provide answers to all questions, including those traditionally addressed by philosophy or theology.
- Referring to the philosophical belief that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. - Describing the approach of basing beliefs and theories on observable evidence rather than abstract reasoning or speculation. - Talking about the scientific method of testing hypotheses through observation and experimentation.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are concerned with the acquisition of knowledge.
- 2Both emphasize the importance of evidence and observation.
- 3Both have roots in philosophy and science.
- 4Both reject dogmatism and superstition.
- 5Both have influenced the development of modern science.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Scientism extends the scientific method beyond its proper domain, while empiricism limits it to the study of natural phenomena.
- 2Belief: Scientism holds that science is the only valid way of acquiring knowledge, while empiricism acknowledges the role of reason and intuition.
- 3Application: Scientism applies scientific methods to areas beyond their scope, while empiricism applies them only to the study of natural phenomena.
- 4Purpose: Scientism seeks to replace traditional forms of knowledge, while empiricism seeks to supplement and refine them.
- 5Criticism: Scientism has been criticized for being reductionist and ignoring the complexity of human experience, while empiricism has been criticized for being too narrow and unable to account for abstract concepts.
Remember this!
Scientism and empiricism are both concerned with the acquisition of knowledge through evidence and observation. However, scientism extends the scientific method beyond its proper domain and holds that science is the only valid way of acquiring knowledge, while empiricism limits the scientific method to the study of natural phenomena and acknowledges the role of reason and intuition.
