Full Idea
The crucial insight of empiricism is that any evidence for science has its end points in the senses. This insight remains valid, but it is an insight which comes after physics, physiology, and psychology, not before.
Gist of Idea
Empiricism says evidence rests on the senses, but that insight is derived from science
Source
Willard Quine (On Mental Entities [1952], p.225)
Book Reference
Quine,Willard: 'Ways of Paradox and other essays' [Harvard 1976], p.225
A Reaction
Interesting. I think Hume and co. were probably outlining essential presuppositions and contraints which must be accepted by science. Quine offers empiricism as more like a description of science (with success as its authority?).