Whats the difference between empiricism & mechanistic materialism

[gary123]

What is the difference between empiricism and mechanistic materialism? The both seem similar derived from Francis Bacon and Newtonian mechanics. I suppose French materialism was more atheist. Who were some mechanistic materialists?

[JoeDawg]

What is the difference between empiricism and mechanistic materialism? The both seem similar derived from Francis Bacon and Newtonian mechanics. I suppose French materialism was more atheist. Who were some mechanistic materialists?

One is epistemology, the other is ontology.

[kote]

One is epistemology, the other is ontology.

Perfect response... I laughed. It's unfortunate that those involved in the endless debate between the two don't know this. The world would be so much more simple.