The use of the word ‘empirical’ in the sciences has created an area of confusion in which it is taken to mean ‘publicly observable’. Although it is understandable that the word ‘empirical’ be used in the sciences in this manner, it also carries the rick of overlooking personal experiences, which are necessary for any understanding whatsoever. The word ‘empirical’ should include personal experience or be replaced by some other word that avoids confusing the fact that the word ‘empirical’ not only refers to external data, but also rich inner mental life.