What does empiricism assert about the formation of knowledge?

Empiricism asserts that knowledge is derived from sensory experience, emphasizing that our understanding of the world is rooted in what we perceive through our senses. This philosophical approach posits that all knowledge comes from empirical evidence — that is, what can be observed, measured, and experienced directly. Empiricists argue that without sensory experiences, we cannot form valid knowledge or concepts about the world.

This perspective challenges the idea that knowledge is innate or merely a product of rational thought without direct experience. In other words, it rejects the notion that individuals are born with certain knowledge (innate), or that knowledge can be obtained solely through reasoning devoid of experiential input. The emphasis on sensory experience as the foundation of all knowledge aligns closely with the principles of scientific inquiry, where observation and experimentation are critical to understanding and developing theories. Thus, the assertion that knowledge is derived from sensory experience captures the essence of empiricism and its significance in the history of philosophy and psychology.