Idealism asserts that reality is fundamentally mental or consciousness-based. Term entered English by 1743, first used in metaphysical sense by Wolff. Plato laid foundation with absolute, unchanging ideas as highest reality
Solipsism asserts that only one's mind is certain to exist. Knowledge of external world and other minds is uncertain. External world might not exist independently of mind
Empiricism asserts that knowledge derives solely from sensory experience and empirical evidence. Empiricists argue that empirical methods are more reliable than purely logical reasoning. Empiricism emphasizes the role of experience in forming ideas rather than innate knowledge
Epistemology of experiment focuses on science's roles and connections to theory. First philosophical reflections on experimentation emerged in 17th century. Philosophical interest in experimentation declined in late 19th century. Logical positivism and Kuhn-Feyerabend criticized separation of theory and observation
Space and time are mere forms of our sensible intuition of objects. Objects in space and time are appearances, not things in themselves. We can only cognize objects we can intuit, not things in themselves. Things in themselves affect us, activating our sensible faculty
Born in 1632 to Puritan parents in Wrington. Attended Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. Became a medical researcher and physician under Lord Ashley