What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scientism
Example
His scientism led him to dismiss any knowledge that was not scientifically proven. [scientism: noun]
Example
The idea that science can solve all of humanity's problems is an example of scientism. [scientism: noun]
empiricism
Example
Empiricism emphasizes the importance of evidence in forming beliefs. [empiricism: noun]
Example
The scientist used empiricism to test her hypothesis and gather data. [empiricism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Empiricism is more commonly used than scientism in academic and scientific contexts. Empiricism is a foundational principle of the scientific method and has been influential in the development of modern science. Scientism, on the other hand, is a more recent term and is often used in a critical or pejorative sense.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scientism and empiricism?
Both scientism and empiricism are formal terms used in academic and philosophical contexts. However, empiricism is more widely accepted and less controversial than scientism, which is often criticized for its reductionist and dogmatic tendencies.
