Empirical Knowledge: What is it, definition and concept

Empirical knowledge is everything that is born from observation and experimentation. That is, it does not start from assumptions or logical deductions, but from experience itself.

The empirical term is mainly related to the basic sciences such as physics and chemistry. However, in economics you can also use empirical knowledge.

For example, if we try to measure the impact of a subsidy , we can take a sample of the beneficiary population and observe how their consumption pattern has changed since they received government aid.

Characteristics of empirical knowledge

The characteristics of empirical knowledge are mainly the following:

• First, it is particular because it cannot be guaranteed that the fact is universally fulfilled. In other words, it corresponds to a reality and to specific circumstances that, subsequently, must be studied in order to be able to conclude whether it is a fact of a general nature. For example, if I buy a pen of a certain brand, it may be that empirically flaws are observed. However, that does not mean that all pen units of that brand have the same malfunction.
• The second is that empirical knowledge is contingent. This means, within the study of logic, that it is accepted that an event may or may not happen. For example, if we observe that cats live between 12 and 15 years, on average, that does not mean that some animal of that species cannot reach 20 years.
• It should also be noted that empirical knowledge is obtained from the scientific method that consists of observation, proposition (statement of the problem), formulation of the hypothesis, experimentation, testing of the hypothesis with the results of the experiment and, finally, the conclusions .

Empirical economics

Empirical economics is the branch of economics that uses data from reality to contrast or propose theories.

For example, through econometrics it is possible to try to elucidate whether the signing of free trade agreements has generated an impact on the volume of transactions abroad. This, based on the import and export figures, compiled in the national accounts.

Empiricism versus methodological apriorism

Empiricism, the doctrine that sustains that all knowledge must come from experience, is the opposite of methodological apriorism. The latter defends that it is possible to approach knowledge without resorting to observation.

For methodological apriorism, it is possible to reach the truth through deductions. For example, if A is bigger than B and B is bigger than C, then A is bigger than C. It is not necessary for the researcher to observe the size of the objects with his own eyes, only certain information is enough to come to a logical conclusion

Example of empirical knowledge

An example of empirical knowledge could be when one seeks to study the impact of a certain social program on child malnutrition rates in a specific population.

The researchers would have to contrast the malnutrition rates before and after the implementation of the social program. This could consist of an incentive to families who regularly take their children under 1 year of age to health centers so that they can follow a nutrition program, and subsidies can also be provided for the purchase of certain foods.

Luke Wigman

Luke is passionate about fostering student involvement and connection. He studied psychology for his major and likes learning about the past. Luke aims to specialize in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. .