Based directly on experience, e.g. observation or experiment, rather than on reasoning alone.
Method of treatment founded simply on experience rather than on scienti?c evidence from, for example, clinical trials. Because a given remedy has been successful in the treatment of a certain group of symptoms, it is assumed, by those who uphold this principle, that it will be successful in the treatment of other cases presenting similar groups of symptoms, without any inquiry as to the cause of the symptoms or reason underlying the action of the remedy. It is the contrary of ‘rational’ or ‘scienti?c’ treatment. Sometimes empirical treatment is a reasonable course of action where there is no known proven e?ective treatment for a condition.
adj. describing a system of treatment based on experience or observation, rather than of logic or reason.
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