pos·i·tiv·ism (p z  -t-vz  m)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. pos i·tiv·ist, posi·tiv·istic adj.pos i·tiv·ist n. |
positivism [ˈpɒzɪtɪˌvɪzəm]
n
1. (Philosophy) a strong form of empiricism, esp as established in the philosophical system of Auguste Comte, the French mathematician and philosopher (1798-1857), that rejects metaphysics and theology as seeking knowledge beyond the scope of experience, and holds that experimental investigation and observation are the only sources of substantial knowledge See also logical positivism
2. (Law) Also called legal positivism the jurisprudential doctrine that the legitimacy of a law depends on its being enacted in proper form, rather than on its content Compare natural law [3]
3. the quality of being definite, certain, etc.
positivist n & adj
positivistic adj
positivistically adv
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
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.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | positivism - the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation) 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 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 |
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