positivism

pos·i·tiv·ism  (pz-t-vzm)

n.

1. Philosophy

a. A doctrine contending that sense perceptions are the only admissible basis of human knowledge and precise thought.

b. The application of this doctrine in logic, epistemology, and ethics.

c. The system of Auguste Comte designed to supersede theology and metaphysics and depending on a hierarchy of the sciences, beginning with mathematics and culminating in sociology.

d. Any of several doctrines or viewpoints, often similar to Comte's, that stress attention to actual practice over consideration of what is ideal: "Positivism became the 'scientific' base for authoritarian politics, especially in Mexico and Brazil" (Raymond Carr).

2. The state or quality of being positive.

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posi·tiv·ist, posi·tiv·istic adj.

posi·tiv·ist n.

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positivism

Noun

a system of philosophy that accepts only things that can be seen or proved

positivist nadj

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positivism

1. a philosophical system developed by Auguste Comte, concerned with positive facts and phenomena, the flrst verifled by the methods of the empirical sciences, the second explainable by scientific laws. Also called Comtism.
2. a contemporary philosophical movement stressing the task of philosophy as criticizing and analyzing science, and rejecting all transcendental metaphysics. Also called logical positivism. — positivist, n. — positivistic, adj.

See also: Philosophy

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	positivism - the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation) logical positivism empiricism, empiricist philosophy, sensationalism - (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience Comtism - Auguste Comte's positivistic philosophy that metaphysics and theology should be replaced by a hierarchy of sciences from mathematics at the base to sociology at the top
	2.	positivism - a quality or state characterized by certainty or acceptance or affirmation and dogmatic assertiveness positiveness, positivity quality - an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone; "the quality of mercy is not strained"--Shakespeare assertiveness, self-assertiveness - aggressive self-assurance; given to making bold assertions