LearnEmpiricism
Empiricism
Learning path · 9 steps

The Empiricist Path

Empiricism holds that all genuine knowledge derives from sensory experience rather than reason alone. Locke argued that the mind begins as a blank slate; Hume traced all ideas back to impressions; Berkeley concluded that to be is to be perceived. The empiricist tradition set the terms for modern epistemology and philosophy of science.

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Epistemology
Concept · 4 minUp next
Impressions and Ideas
David Hume
2
Epistemology
Concept · 4 min
Sensation and Reflection
John Locke
3
Epistemology
Concept · 5 min
The Cash-Value of Ideas
William James
4
The Bundle Theory of Self
Concept · 4 min
The Bundle Theory of Self
David Hume
5
Epistemology
Concept · 5 min
The Problem of Induction
Bertrand Russell
6
Metaphysics
Concept · 5 min
Necessary Connection
David Hume
7
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Full text · 4 chapters
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
John Locke
8
An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision
Full text · 4 chapters
An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision
George Berkeley
9
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge
Full text · 3 chapters
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge
George Berkeley
Further reading

More from Empiricism, beyond the core path.

Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous
Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous
George Berkeley · 3 chapters
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
David Hume · 12 chapters
The Will to Believe
The Will to Believe
William James · 10 chapters
The Varieties of Religious Experience
The Varieties of Religious Experience
William James · 14 chapters
5 min
Appearance and Reality
Bertrand Russell
5 min
The Problem of Induction
David Hume
5 min
Natural Rights and the State of Nature
John Locke
5 min
Consent and Legitimate Government
John Locke
5 min
The Right of Revolution
John Locke
4 min
Custom and Habit
David Hume
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