EMPIRICAL KNOWLEDGE: CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES, EXAMPLES - SCIENCE - 2025

The empirical knowledge is the knowledge accumulated using the senses of the human being, from observation or experiment. For example, when a scientist takes data from an experiment or from observations in nature, he is obtaining empirical knowledge.

Another example of this type of knowledge can be the process of learning different colors during childhood. For this reason, it is stated that empirical knowledge is not only used by scientists and researchers; it is also applied by almost everyone throughout their lives.

Observation is a way of gaining knowledge. Source: pixabay.com

In conclusion, it can be said that empirical knowledge is the basis for acquiring any new teaching; however, in certain scientific situations it requires theoretical support (that is, the study of written works) to understand and explain the observation made.

Characteristics of empirical knowledge

Alexander Fleming in his laboratory observed by chance how the Penicilliun notatum fungus prevented the development of a bacterium known as Staphylococus aureus. Via Wikimedia Commons

- It is acquired through experience

Experience is an important characteristic of empirical knowledge because it is what allows it to be obtained. In other words, this type of knowledge is acquired through practice or actions that are done on a daily basis.

For example, learning to ride a bicycle is considered empirical knowledge, since it is only achieved through practice.

- It is subjective

The acquisition of this knowledge depends on each person, which can be influenced by social demands and daily needs. For example, learning about how food is prepared varies across societies and cultures.

- It can be accidental

In most cases, empirical knowledge occurs accidentally and has no relation to a previous test. All these characteristics give empirical knowledge a dominant and basic place; in fact, that is how scientists usually begin their written work.

For example, the scientist Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) observed - by chance - in his laboratory that the growth of the fungus called Penicilliun notatum prevented the development of a bacterium known as Staphylococus aureus.

From this empirical observation, Fleming developed a whole scientific study that allowed him to discover the antibiotic called penicillin, which has saved millions of lives.

Likewise, empirical knowledge does not only occur accidentally in laboratories; it can also happen at any time in life. This is how it happened when humans discovered fire: an accidental event that allowed the evolution of the human species.

Types of empirical knowledge

Empirical knowledge is part of science since Kant's empiricism

It is important to highlight that during any learning two or more types of empirical knowledge can be used; that is, they can be united and support each other.

In other words, just as several senses are used to perform the same action (for example: cooking requires sight and smell), sometimes two types of empirical knowledge are needed to learn.

The most common are mentioned below:

- Empirical knowledge through observation

Observation is an activity that allows the study of phenomena or events as they occur in reality. Within scientific research, observation is essential to know the elements to be studied.

For example, through a microscope, a researcher can put into practice the discovery of an empirical knowledge, since he is acquiring knowledge through the sense of sight.

On the other hand, a simpler example of everyday life can be found when children are learning to draw; Through observation, a child tries to copy and capture the reality that he perceives through sight.

- Empirical knowledge through experimentation

Experimentation can be defined as the vision of a phenomenon or event based on one's own experience. Within the scientific method, this type of knowledge is developed in laboratories: for example, when a researcher decides to join two different substances to find out what happens after linking them (change of color, texture, among others).

On the other hand, in everyday life experimentation is applied -for example- when a chef wishes to elaborate a novel dish. In this process, the chef takes the risk of combining different ingredients in order to obtain a different flavor.

For this reason, it can be said that the chef is acquiring new knowledge while experimenting with food.

- Empirical knowledge through repetition

Repetition is one of the methods most used by human beings when obtaining new knowledge. In fact, on many occasions a person learns in this way without realizing it.

The most common example of empirical learning through repetition can be seen when young children are beginning to memorize their first words; they listen to the sounds adults make and try to imitate them.

Thanks to the constant repetition of these sounds, the child manages to pronounce the words and is able to communicate with the elders.

Some authors consider that the performance of certain physical activities is also achieved through repetition. For example, learning to ride a bicycle requires frequent practice and repeating the same movements several times.

To learn to ride a bicycle it is necessary to practice frequently and repeat the same movements several times. Source: pixabay.com

Differences with scientific knowledge

Empirical knowledge is key in the emergence of the concept of science, since since the beginning of humanity people have experienced and learned through their senses. For this reason, it is affirmed that the birth of science would not have been possible without the application of empirical knowledge.

In fact, scientific methodology starts from observation and experimentation in order to carry out its hypotheses. However, although science and empirical knowledge aim to perceive and analyze what surrounds us, empirical and scientific knowledge are not the same.

Scientific knowledge requires hypotheses and methodologies

The main difference between these two types of knowledge is found in the fact that scientific knowledge arises through hypotheses; in other words, it is structured based on approaches and theories. It is worth noting that a hypothesis can be defined as the anticipation of a possible research result.

Likewise, scientific knowledge requires a theoretical study. In addition, you must have the ability to draw conclusions and explain the phenomena of the investigation.

In contrast, empirical knowledge only responds to immediate experiences; they do not require analysis or methodology.

In this regard, they are basic learning that can be applied in life almost on a daily basis and are carried out by people of all ages and circumstances (that is, they are not applied only by the scientific community).

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of empirical knowledge

- It is immediate: it gives practical knowledge without the need to have a point of comparison with other experiences.

- It is essential: it is obtained directly from observation and experience, which is why it is directly connected to reality.

Disadvantages of empirical knowledge

- It can be inaccurate: because it is subjective and influenced by the social environment. This can cause the empirically acquired knowledge to be taken as a law without putting the idea on trial.

- It does not open space for discussion: in general, empirical knowledge does not follow the academic norms that give entry to the discussion of what is raised.

For example, learning to walk does not generate any space for debate; On the other hand, the elaboration of an article on art can open discussions among researchers.

Examples of empirical knowledge

- One of the most important examples of empirical knowledge is the discovery of fire. This understanding was obtained by man through direct observation of nature. Then, based on this observation, he managed to generate and maintain the fire at his convenience.

- Another example of empirical knowledge is language learning, which is done through continuous repetition and experience; as in the case of children who learn to speak the language of their family environment.

- As explained before, empirical knowledge is sometimes the base point for the development of scientific knowledge. An example of this is the famous situation that describes the fall of an apple, which culminated in the postulation of the universal law of gravitation by Isaac Newton (1642-1727).

Isaac Newton discovered the law of gravitation from everyday experience. Source: pixabay.com

According to Newton's biographer (William Stukeley), in 1666 the researcher was under an apple tree, when he observed the fall of a fruit from the apple tree.

Right away, Newton wondered why the fruit falls perpendicular to the ground? From this experience the scientist developed the idea of ​​gravitation.

- Learning to cook is an example of empirical knowledge, since the person requires experimentation and observation to master culinary techniques. In addition, it can sometimes be personal knowledge, since the flavors of the dishes are manipulated by the tastes and expectations of the cook.

- Scientists and experts can see that glaciers are melting at a faster rate than before. In this way they can create test theories about global warming and can make estimates about the degree of pollution that will exist in the future.

- All people know that ice floats on water even if they do not know exactly the scientific explanation behind the process.

- Despite the fact that the humans of ancient civilizations did not know the explanation, it was clear to them that the sun rose every day at approximately the same time and also set every day at approximately the same time.

Themes of interest

Types of knowledge.

Subjective knowledge.

Objective knowledge.

Vulgar knowledge.

Rational knowledge.

Technical knowledge.

Intuitive knowledge.

Direct knowledge.

Intellectual knowledge.

References

1. Dan V. (2017). Empirical and Non-Empirical Methods. Retrieved on February 9, 2020 from researchgate.net
2. Mendoza, J., Garza J. (2009). Measurement in the scientific research process. Retrieved on February 9, 2020 from: uanl.mx
3. Penalva J. (2006). Knowledge-empirical in research-action: analysis of epistemological aspects. Retrieved on February 9, 2020 from: ucm.es
4. Soto-Almela, J (2015). An approach to empirical studies in translation studies: designs and tools. Retrieved on February 9, 2020 from: researchgate.net
5. Sans, A (2004). Research methods with an experimental approach. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from: unirioja.es
6. González, E. (2011). Empirical knowledge and transformative active knowledge: some of its relationships with knowledge management. Retrieved on February 9, 2020 from: sld.cu