Eassy 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Eassy 1 - Essay Example Therefore intuition and deduction from this information is a priori (Lawhead 22). Rationalism is a perceived truth about something. In an argument by Lawhead rationalism is a feeling of truth about an object or an idea (23). The author further points out that the feeling is accompanied by a general assumption about truth about something (Lawhead 23). Additionally, rationalism is created about a fact that can be proven be fact or a creation. For instance, a person may believe in the belief that God exists because it is a fact that is believed beyond reasonable doubt. In this particular case, the assumption that God exists may be proven but with a strong believe but not with experience. Lawhead points out that rationalism is basically factual theories but with no physical experience or proof (45). On the other hand, empiricism is a theory that can be proven with experience. Lawhead defines empiricism as an idea or theory that is real (56). The vice is different from rationalism which is based on beliefs. Empiricism can be proven by physical evidence. However, there is no source of knowledge on an idea that can prove its existence. The only source on knowledge while using empiricism is experience. For instance, when person undergoes an operation to remove a tumor from their body they experience the medical process but they do not have the chance to see the operation. In this particular case, the person undergoing the surgery does not know the source of the tumor or the process the operation. However, the experience both pain and recovery. In future the person may describe the experience not with specific knowledge of the events but with their experience of the events. This may include the pain they felt, the time they took to recover or the price they paid for the operation. T his is a perfect example of an empirical idea. Lawhead argues that empiricism gives us knowledge more effectively