What is the primary philosophical approach associated with Thomas Reid?

Thomas Reid is primarily associated with empiricism, which emphasizes the role of sensory experience in the formation of ideas and knowledge. He is known for his criticism of the overly abstract rationalism and skepticism of his time, particularly that of Descartes and Hume. Reid argued that our understanding of the world comes primarily through our senses, and he focused on common sense philosophy. This approach stresses that humans have an innate ability to perceive the world accurately without the need for extensive rational deduction or skepticism that questions the reliability of our perceptions. Reid’s emphasis on the reliability of sensory experience positions his philosophical contributions squarely within the empiricist tradition.