unempirical
Lacking observational support
Unempirical describes claims, methods, or beliefs not based on observation or evidence.
The word carries implicit criticism—an unempirical approach ignores data in favor of theory, assumption, or intuition: His unempirical assertions about human nature don't hold up to scrutiny.
The opposite of empirical.
Guess from limited facts
- suppositionBelief without proof
- guessworkConclusions drawn without proof
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
- postulationAssuming something as given
presumption · surmise · theorizing · extrapolation · inference · hypothesis · speculation · unproven
Subjective personal belief
- beliefTrust held as true
- biasUnfair inclination or prejudice
- sentimentFelt attitude or view
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
anecdotal · personal · interpretation · partiality · taste · inclination · judgment · viewpoint
Concerned with fundamental truths
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
- ideationalRelating to forming concepts
deductive · axiomatic · rational · logical · formalistic · systematic · doctrinal · dogmatic
Unproven inner sense
- instinctInnate behavioral tendency
- intuitionInstinctive immediate understanding
- premonitionAdvance sense of future events
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
visceral · innate · feeling · instinctive · subconscious · sensing · impression · perception
Trust without proof
- spiritualityConnection to the sacred
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
- transcendentalBeyond ordinary experience
- mysticismPursuit of divine union
esoteric · numinous · divinity · theological · clairvoyance · psychic · prophetic · revelation
conjecture
Guess from limited facts
- suppositionBelief without proof
- guessworkConclusions drawn without proof
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
postulation · presumption · surmise · theorizing · extrapolation · inference · hypothesis · speculation · unproven · untested
opinion
Subjective personal belief
prejudice · anecdotal · personal · interpretation · partiality · taste · inclination · judgment · viewpoint · hearsay
philosophical
Concerned with fundamental truths
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
ideational · deductive · axiomatic · rational · logical · formalistic · systematic · doctrinal · dogmatic · ideological
hunch
Unproven inner sense
- instinctInnate behavioral tendency
- intuitionInstinctive immediate understanding
- premonitionAdvance sense of future events
insight · visceral · innate · feeling · instinctive · subconscious · sensing · impression · perception · empathy
faith
Trust without proof
- spiritualityConnection to the sacred
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
- transcendentalBeyond ordinary experience
mysticism · esoteric · numinous · divinity · theological · clairvoyance · psychic · prophetic · revelation · occult
unempiricalempirical
Based on observation, not theory
evidence-based · data-driven · observational · experimental · fact-based
unempiricalsystematic
Following ordered procedures
methodical · rigorous · scientific · logical · analytical
empirical, empiricism, empirically, empiricist, nonempirical