Empirical knowledge refers to
knowledge obtained by experience, and to knowledge that seems obvious. For example, "all things fall down" would be empirical knowledge about
gravity. It is empirical because it has always been that way, so there is no resaon to believe it will change. This example also shows the danger of empirical knowledge. In
orbit, for example, things do not "fall down", as there is no "down". While empirical knowledge can help guide the way for "real" knowledge (as it did, for example, in
physics), the
scientific method is currently the way to come as close to "secure" knowledge as possible.
/talk?