Definition

1. Noun:
   • An orientation or approach that favors experimentation and innovation: A philosophical or practical stance that emphasizes the value of trying new methods, ideas, or techniques, often in the arts or sciences.
   • An empirical doctrine advocating experimental principles: A theory or belief system in philosophy, especially in epistemology, that asserts knowledge is primarily derived from or validated by sensory experience and controlled experimentation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The artist's work is defined by a spirit of experimentalism, constantly blending new media and techniques.
  • In the early 20th century, scientific experimentalism challenged many long-held theoretical assumptions.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptor for artistic or literary movements: Often used to characterize periods or styles that prioritize innovation and breaking from tradition over adherence to established forms.
  • The avant-garde movement was steeped in experimentalism.

Variants and Related Words

• Experiment (n/v): A scientific procedure to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact; to perform such a procedure.
• Experimental (adj): Based on, derived from, or pertaining to experiment.
• Experimentalist (n): A person who advocates or practices experimental methods.

Synonyms

• Empiricism: The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience.
• Innovation: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, or product.
• Pragmatism: An approach that assesses the truth of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application.

Related Phrases

• Spirit of experimentalism: Refers to a prevailing attitude or culture that encourages trying new things.
  • The startup culture is driven by a spirit of experimentalism.

Related Idioms

• : To be in a period of trying out new ideas or methods.
  • The composer said he was in an experimental phase, hence the unusual structure of his latest symphony.

Noun

1. an orientation that favors experimentation and innovation
   • the children of psychologists are often raised in an atmosphere of experimentalism
2. an empirical doctrine that advocates experimental principles