The empirical knowledge It is the knowledge that is acquired with the use of the human being's senses, from observation or experimentation. 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.
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..
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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 daily actions..
For example, learning to ride a bicycle is considered empirical knowledge, since it is only achieved through practice.
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..
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's how scientists usually start 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 what happened when humans discovered fire: an accidental event that allowed the evolution of the human species.
It is important to emphasize that during any learning two or more types of empirical knowledge can be used; that is, these 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:
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.
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 know 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 risks 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.
Repetition is one of the methods most used by humans 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, to learn to ride a bicycle it is necessary to practice frequently and repeat the same movements several times..
Empirical knowledge is key in the emergence of the concept of science, since since the beginning of humanity people have experimented and learned through their senses. For this reason, it is affirmed that the birth of the sciences 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.
The main difference between these two types of knowledge is found in the fact that scientific knowledge arises through hypotheses; that is to say, it is structured from approaches and theories. It is worth noting that a hypothesis can be defined as the anticipation of a possible result of the investigation.
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; do not require analysis or methodology.
In this aspect, they are basic learning that can be applied in life almost daily and are carried out by people of all ages and circumstances (that is, they are not applied only by the scientific community).
- 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 with reality.
- It can be inaccurate: because it is subjective and influenced by the social environment. This can lead to the empirically acquired knowledge being 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.
- 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).
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, sometimes it can be a 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 faster 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 the exact scientific explanation behind the process..
- Although the humans of ancient civilizations did not know the explanation, it was clear to them that the sun rose each day at approximately the same time and also set each day at approximately the same time..
Types of knowledge.
Subjective knowledge.
Objective knowledge.
Vulgar knowledge.
Rational knowledge.
Technical knowledge.
Intuitive insight.
Direct knowledge.
Intellectual knowledge.
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