What is the difference between rationalism and empiricism?

Rationalism refers to a school of thought which prioritises reason as the main source of knowledge. It hold the belief that we can know things about the world through reasoning alone, without any physical, measurable evidence from the real world. Empiricism on the other hand holds the belief that we know things about the world through studying the world around us. This school of thought is associated most often with the natural sciences as it relies on measurable results as the grounding for our knowledge.

WK
Answered by Will K. Philosophy tutor

1623 Views

See similar Philosophy GCSE tutors

Related Philosophy GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain St Thomas Aquinas' "Just War Theory" (6 marks) Analyse a recent or historical military conflict using Just War Theory (12 marks).


Evaluate the claim that evidence of design leads to theism.


Briefly explain Berkeley's idealism.


Outline one philosophical argument for the existence of God.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences