Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes knowledge gained through sensory experience and observation. It suggests that our understanding of the world is rooted in what we can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. This perspective contrasts with rationalism, which relies on reason and innate ideas. Key figures in empiricism include John Locke, David Hume, and George Berkeley, who argued that all knowledge comes from experience. In the scientific method, empiricism plays a crucial role, as it encourages experimentation and evidence collection to form conclusions. By relying on observable data, empiricism helps ensure that theories are grounded in reality, making it a foundational principle in fields like science and psychology.