Final answer:
The statement is true; empirical knowledge alone is insufficient for adequate functioning in the world. Other types of knowledge like procedural knowledge and justified true belief are also essential. Empirical knowledge is a crucial part of understanding but not the entirety of one's knowledge base.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that empirical knowledge alone is not enough to allow people to function adequately in the world can be considered true. Empirical knowledge is based on experience and observation, and while it is vital for understanding our environment, it is not the sole type of knowledge necessary for functioning in the world.
Humans require not just empirical knowledge but also procedural knowledge (the know-how), as well as knowledge derived from reasoning and introspection amongst others.
For instance, knowing that a bike stays upright due to physics doesn't mean someone can ride a bike—that is procedural knowledge, the ability to actually perform the task. Moreover, knowledge, as defined by philosophers like Plato, requires not only truth but also belief and justification.
Known as the justified true belief (JTB), it is acknowledged that for one to claim knowledge, one must believe in what they know, it must be true, and have justification for believing it.
Additionally, the field of epistemology addresses the complexities of knowledge, including questioning the certainty of knowledge about the external world. Having empirical evidence alone does not always suffice to justify true beliefs, as there are scenarios where empirical data may be misleading or where genuine truths cannot be empirically verified.
Therefore, while empirical knowledge, which includes scientific knowledge developed through a methodical process of hypothesis formation and testing, is invaluable, it is part of a broader set of knowledge types that allow individuals to navigate and understand the world comprehensively.