Who is often called the father of empiricism?

Called the father of empiricism, Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is credited with establishing and popularizing the “scientific method” of inquiry into natural phenomena. In stark contrast to deductive reasoning, which had dominated science since the days of Aristotle, Bacon introduced inductive methodology, testing and refining hypotheses by observing, measuring, and experimenting. An Aristotelian might logically deduce that water is necessary for life by arguing that its lack causes death. Aren’t deserts arid and lifeless? But, that is really an educated guess, limited to the subjective experience of the observer and not based on any objective facts gathered about the observed.

Bacon's thinking marked a new turn in the rhetorical and theoretical framework for science, the practical details of which are still central in debates about science and methodology today.