Scribd
Upload
10 views

Introduction To Analytical Methods

Uploaded by

faaleha.irfan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views

Introduction To Analytical Methods

Uploaded by

faaleha.irfan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Rationalism Overview

Rationalism emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, often prioritizing it over
sensory experience.

1. Universal Laws of Nature: Rationalists seek universal principles governing natural


phenomena, leading to foundational scientific theories based on logical deduction.
2. Moral Systems: Moral principles are derived from rational thought rather than tradition
or emotion, as seen in Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory.
3. Legal Systems: Rationalism influences legal systems by promoting laws based on logical
consistency and universal principles, such as those in Enlightenment-era reforms.
4. Logic: Logic, a central element of rationalism, involves ensuring valid reasoning and
argument structure, foundational to philosophy and computer science.
5. Mathematics: Mathematics relies on deductive reasoning from axioms, embodying the
rationalist belief in discovering truths through reason rather than empirical observation.
6. Ethics: Rationalist ethics seeks universal moral truths through reason, in contrast to
empiricist approaches that might rely on empirical evidence or cultural norms.
7. Descartes’ "Cogito Ergo Sum": René Descartes’ statement "I think, therefore I am"
highlights that the act of thinking is proof of one’s existence, serving as a foundational
certainty in rationalist philosophy.

This summary captures the essence of rationalism and its impact across various domains.

Empiricism Overview

1. Historical Context: The 17th century was crucial for empiricism, with key figures
including John Locke, David Hume, and Montesquieu.
2. John Locke: Proposed that all knowledge originates from sensory experience and
reflection. He argued against innate ideas, suggesting the mind starts as a "blank slate."
3. David Hume: Asserted that knowledge comes from sensory impressions. He was
skeptical about the certainty of knowledge and causation, believing that our
generalizations are based on habits, not logical certainty.
4. Montesquieu: Highlighted how legal and political systems are shaped by a society’s
historical and cultural experiences.
5. Sensory Experience: Empiricism posits that knowledge is derived from sensory
experiences, not pure reason. Our perceptions shape our understanding of the world.
6. Relative Truth: Moral and legal truths are relative and influenced by societal
experiences rather than universal principles.
7. Hume’s Skepticism: Knowledge is always provisional and subject to revision as new
experiences and information emerge. We cannot be certain that our current understanding
will always be true.

Immanuel Kant’s ideas:

1. A Priori Truths: Kant believed in the existence of a priori knowledge—truths that are
known independently of sensory experience.
2. Mind’s Structuring: He argued that the human mind has built-in structures that organize
and shape our sensory experiences.
3. Noumena vs. Phenomena:
o Noumena: Things as they are in themselves, which we cannot directly know.
o Phenomena: Things as we perceive them, influenced by our mental frameworks.
4. Knowledge Structuring: Kant suggested that studying how we organize knowledge
reveals insights into the a priori truths that underlie our perceptions.

In essence, Kant proposed that while some knowledge is inherent, our understanding of the
world is shaped by the mental structures we use to perceive it.

Kant's ideas shaped both the humanities and social sciences:

1. Humanities and Social Sciences: These fields, influenced by Kant, generally focus on
empiricism—understanding the world through sensory experience and evidence. This
includes historians, anthropologists, archaeologists, economists, legal scholars, and
political scientists.
2. Philosophy, Mathematics, and Theology: These disciplines often focus on rationalism
—exploring knowledge through reason and abstract thinking, with less emphasis on
empirical evidence.

In essence, Kant impacted the emphasis on empirical methods in the humanities and social
sciences and rationalist approaches in philosophy, mathematics, and theology.

Epistemology is the study of how we know things.

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that examines the nature, origin, and limits of human
knowledge. It focuses on questions such as:

 How do we know what we know?


 What justifies our beliefs?
 What are the sources and limits of knowledge?

Epistemology explores the nature of knowledge itself, including its definition, how it is acquired,
and how we can differentiate between true knowledge and mere belief.

This is important because it shapes the kinds of questions we might think are ask able or worth asking.

Epistemology is crucial because it influences:

1. Question Formation: It determines which questions are considered valid or worth


exploring based on our understanding of knowledge and its sources.
2. Methodology: It shapes the methods and approaches we use to seek answers, whether
through empirical research, logical reasoning, or other means.
3. Evaluation of Knowledge: It affects how we evaluate and justify what we know,
influencing our standards for evidence and credibility.
In summary, epistemology guides the kinds of questions we consider important and the methods
we use to explore them.

You might also like