Rationalism vs. Empiricism
Philosophy · Grade 11 · Epistemology and the Nature of Knowledge · 2.º Período

Rationalism vs. Empiricism

This topic contrasts the rationalist view that knowledge comes from reason with the empiricist view that knowledge comes from sensory experience. Students analyze key thinkers like Descartes and Locke.

Ontario Curriculum ExpectationsHZB3M C2.1: Compare rationalist and empiricist approaches to knowledgeHZB3M C2.2: Analyze arguments from key epistemological philosophers

About This Topic

This topic contrasts the rationalist view that knowledge comes from reason with the empiricist view that knowledge comes from sensory experience. Students analyze key thinkers like Descartes and Locke.

Key Questions

  1. Can we know anything independent of experience?
  2. How reliable are our senses?
  3. What role does innate knowledge play in human understanding?

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