Empirical knowledge

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?