What term describes the philosophical belief that knowledge derives from human experience and experimentation?

The philosophical belief that knowledge derives from human experience and experimentation is best described by pragmatism. Pragmatism emphasizes the importance of practical consequences and real-world applications of ideas, asserting that the value of knowledge lies in its usefulness and the experiences it encompasses. It focuses on the dynamic interplay between thought and action, making it a philosophy that values empirical evidence and the constant testing of ideas through experience.

This concept is foundational in many fields, including education, as it promotes an adaptive approach to learning, where students engage actively with their environment, thereby constructing knowledge through their experiences. Other philosophies mentioned, such as idealism, realism, and existentialism, do not primarily focus on the derivation of knowledge through experience in the same way, as they emphasize different elements like abstract ideals, material reality, or individual existence and meaning, respectively.