Rationalism And Empiricism - Essay Example

Rationalism And EmpiricismTHESIS STATEMENTThe main aim of the essay will be to gather a deeper understanding in relation to the concerned concepts i.e. prior and the posteriori knowledge. In addition, the essay aims to identify the implications of both the knowledge processes in the physical world. ARGUMENTS RELATED TO THE DISCUSSIONIn order to render an in-depth argumentative perspective pertaining to the terms prior and Posteriori knowledge along with epistemology, different viewpoints will be studied.

The terms prior and posteriori are essentially used in the field of philosophy. These concepts are a fundamental part of knowledge that shares different meanings (Lawhead 1-80).A Priori knowledge is a process of gathering knowledge by way of performing those activities that may relate to gathering information from the physical world. However, it has been argued that it does not involve any scientific methods or practical experiences in this system (Lawhead 1-80). Posteriori knowledge can be understood as a process of congregating knowledge which is attained by years of experience (Lawhead 1-80).

This category of knowledge can be argued to develop over a period from a person’s interactions with his/her surroundings. Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that primarily deals with the fundamentals along with the possibility and nature related to knowledge. Epistemology is also called ‘theory of knowledge’. This concept predominantly deals with the basic fundamentals regarding knowledge and the principles that are needed to be applied for gaining knowledge (Lawhead 1-80). All the theories evaluated in this particular study reflect a great deal of plausibility because the determined theories have depicted a significant extent of relevance in three particular fields i.e. scientific studies, knowledge gathering process and psychology that primarily involve human behavior.

In terms of one of the crucial strengths of the theories, it can be said that these theories have facilitated to provide a better understanding in relation to the importance of the concepts of rationalism and empiricism, posteriori knowledge, the priori knowledge, and epistemology. Moreover, the theories have helped in understanding the assorted importance of knowledge and the various processes through which it can be gained (Lawhead 1-80). The various aspects of knowledge that have been studied seem to reflect a rational and logical understanding in relation to the knowledge gathering process as well as modern psychology.

It can be determined and argued that the concepts have a strong relationship with the scientific theories as well. All the theories thus provide a sound outlook (Lawhead 1-65). COUNTER ARGUMENTS Considering the evidence gathered, it can be counter-argued that the specific concepts i.e. rationalism and empiricism have certain weaknesses apart from significances. It is observed that empiricism can be a manipulated process owing to the involvement of human beings. Conversely, the complexity associated with innate knowledge at times makes rationalism process difficult to fathom (Lawhead 1-65).

Rationalism process is considered to be little complex as compared to empiricism as it involves one more entity i.e. innate knowledge, however, Empiricism is considered to be a simpler process as compared to rationalism. In relation to creativity, rationalism involves creative processes which trigger innovative working. In empiricism, creative processes are not followed. Rationalism process does not involve any kind of manipulations pertaining to the human being which is a very positive aspect but empiricism process involves humans and their involvement is essentially guided and even manipulated in this process.

Rationalism process does not seem to comply with the functions of scientific techniques and advancements whereas the empiricism process largely deals with the functions of scientific advancements. From the above distinctions, it can be evaluated that both empiricism and rationalism have their own individual benefits and both these concepts can be widely utilized in the field of knowledge (Lawhead 1-80). On the other hand, there are various philosophers who have utilized most of the propositions i.e. posteriori knowledge, the priori knowledge, rationalism and empiricism and epistemology in their experiments.

For example, both posteriori knowledge and prior knowledge are used by philosophers to study the various fields of philosophy as both these terms are philosophical concepts (Lawhead 1-80). In addition, the concept of epistemology is utilized by the philosophers to a greater degree. In fact, this particular concept was used by a renowned Scottish philosopher named James Frederick. Rationalism and empiricism are also used by philosophers as these studies primarily deal with various functions and aspects that involve scientific involvements as well as human psychology (Lawhead 1-65).

All the theories i.e. posteriori knowledge, the prior knowledge, rationalism and empiricism along with epistemology have key foundational principles that principally aim at one common objective i.e. gaining true and relevant knowledge. The basic foundational principles also aim at serving the goal of acquiring knowledge to provide help in the field of psychological as well as scientific studies. Thus, these theories can be considered to be very important. These theories also have important features that mainly comprise all those aspects that can be utilized in the process of gathering knowledge.

All these concepts are given due importance as these are required at almost every level of knowledge gathering process (Lawhead 1-80). Works CitedLawhead, William. The Philosophical Journey: An Interactive Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2010. Print. Lawhead, William F. The Modern Voyage. United States: Cengage Learning, 2001. Print.