Which of the following philosophies is characterized by a distrust of pure reason and a focus on experience?

The philosophy characterized by a distrust of pure reason and a focus on experience is empiricism. Empiricism posits that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and observation rather than abstract reasoning or innate ideas. This approach emphasizes the importance of evidence gathered from the real world, as opposed to relying solely on rational thought or theoretical frameworks.

Empiricists argue that our understanding of the world is shaped by our experiences and that scientific knowledge should be grounded in observable phenomena. This philosophy was crucial in the development of the scientific method and influenced many Enlightenment thinkers who advocated for a rational approach to knowledge while still recognizing the role of experience in shaping our understanding.

In contrast, rationalism focuses on the belief that reason alone is the primary source of knowledge, often downplaying the role of sensory experience. Materialism emphasizes the physical and material aspects of reality over mental or spiritual ideas. Humanism centers on human values and concerns, usually with an emphasis on classical education, which does not directly engage with the issues of reason versus experience in the way empiricism does.