Question

Contrast rationalism and empiricism by using concepts from three different psychologists’ individual theories (within a school of psychology).

Answer 1

There is a distinct difference between rationalism and empiricism. In fact, they are very plainly the direct opposite of each other. Rationalism is the belief in innate ideas, reason, and deduction. Empiricism is the belief in sense perception, induction, and that there are no innate ideas.Most people, including most philosophers, make free use of both empirical observation and rational deduction. Most of the real debates turn whether the former or the latter is more appropriate for any given subject matter. In a strict sense, I should say no, they are not compatible.