Final answer:
The idea that science flourishes through observation and experiment is known as empiricism, a key principle in the philosophy of science emphasizing evidence from experiments in the scientific method.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea that science flourishes through observation and experiment is encapsulated in the concept of empiricism. Empiricism is a principle of the philosophy of science that asserts the importance of evidence gathered from sensory experience, particularly from experiments, in the development of knowledge. Essentially, it underlines that all scientific hypotheses and theories must be tested against observations of the natural world through systematic experimentation and logical analysis rather than relying solely on reasoning from preconceived notions or revelations.
As a part of the scientific method, empiricism involves careful observation, the formation of hypotheses, conducting rigorous testing, and the modification of those hypotheses based on experimental evidence. This repeatable and methodical approach allows science to progressively refine insights into the workings of the natural world. When a truth is consistently observed through repeated experiments, it may be termed a scientific law, and a broad explanation of interrelated findings can evolve into a widely accepted theory.