Human Sciences & Empiricism: A Philosophical Inquiry

Human Sciences and Empiricism: A Philosophical Inquiry

Hume's Empirical Approach to Human Understanding

Hume's primary objective was to establish a science of man based on empirical observation. He sought to understand humans through data derived from experience. This philosophy contrasted sharply with Platonic and Aristotelian thought. To develop a science of man, Hume believed it was essential to establish a doctrine of knowledge that would determine truth. This involved analyzing key issues within the empiricist tradition, such as ideas of essence and substance. Finally, Hume focused on understanding passions and analyzing moral actions, arguing that humans are governed by their passions more than reason. His philosophy challenged traditionally accepted views, embracing skepticism and avoiding definitive claims.

The Rise of Empiricism and Rationalism

The Renaissance saw a renewed focus on the foundations of truth, giving rise to epistemology. Rationalism, championed by thinkers like Descartes, asserted the existence of innate ideas independent of experience. Reason, according to rationalists, uncovers truths and forms the foundation of knowledge.

Empiricism, however, posits a different view. Empiricists believe that all knowledge about the physical world and reality stems from experience. This is the fundamental difference between rationalism and empiricism: empiricists believe knowledge is grounded in experience, while rationalists believe certain truths can be learned through reason alone.

Core Differences

• Rationalism: The origin and basis of knowledge is reason, independent of experience.
• Empiricism: The senses are the sole source of information. Reason and innate ideas do not exist; knowledge is only possible through sensory experience.

A central problem for empiricism is how we can know that what we perceive is true. Empiricists argue that ideas in our minds correspond to reality. Empiricism is characterized by the belief that knowledge originates and builds upon experience, with our senses being the source of our ideas. For empiricists, the mind is composed of impressions and ideas, the building blocks of knowledge. British empiricists blended principles of empiricism and idealism, leading to the following conclusions:

1. All thoughts have a preceding impression.
2. To determine the truth of an idea, there must be a corresponding impression.