positivism
/'pɔzitivizm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A philosophical system recognizing only that which can be scientifically verified or which is capable of logical or mathematical proof, and therefore rejecting metaphysics and theism. This is the primary philosophical meaning, referring to a system of thought that limits genuine knowledge to observable facts and their relations.
- A quality or state characterized by certainty, acceptance, affirmation, or dogmatic assertiveness. This meaning describes a general attitude of being positive, certain, and sometimes rigidly assertive in one's beliefs.
Usage
- Philosophical Sense: Used to discuss theories of knowledge (epistemology) and the philosophy of science. It emphasizes empirical evidence and scientific method.
- General Attitude Sense: Used to describe a mindset or approach that is confident, affirmative, and sometimes uncritically certain.
Examples
- Philosophical Sense:
- Auguste Comte is considered the founder of positivism, which holds that society, like the physical world, operates according to general laws.
- Logical positivism, a later development, argued that only statements verifiable through direct observation or logical proof are meaningful.
- General Attitude Sense:
- Her unwavering positivism in the face of contradictory evidence was seen as stubbornness by her colleagues.
- The manager's positivism about the project's success inspired the team, even when challenges arose.
Advanced Usage
- Logical Positivism: A 20th-century philosophical movement that applied principles of empiricism and logical analysis, famously associated with the Vienna Circle.
- The central doctrine of logical positivism was the verification principle.
- Sociological Positivism: The application of positivist principles to the study of society, aiming to discover social laws through empirical observation.
- Durkheim's work is a classic example of sociological positivism.
Variants and Related Words
- Positivist (noun/adjective): A person who advocates or adheres to positivism; relating to positivism.
- He was a staunch positivist who dismissed metaphysical questions.
- Positivistic (adjective): Characteristic of or relating to positivism.
- His positivistic approach left no room for intuitive understanding.
- Positivity (noun): The practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude. (Note: This is distinct from the philosophical term 'positivism').
- She maintained an attitude of positivity throughout her recovery.
Synonyms
- Empiricism: The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience. (This is closely related but not identical to positivism).
- Scientism: Excessive belief in the power of scientific knowledge and techniques.
- Dogmatism: The tendency to lay down principles as undeniably true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others. (This relates to the 'assertiveness' aspect of the second definition).
Antonyms
- Metaphysics: The branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space, which positivism rejects.
- Idealism: Any philosophy that argues that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritually constructed.
- Skepticism: An attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object.
Noun
-
a quality or state characterized by certainty or acceptance or affirmation and dogmatic assertiveness
-
the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation)
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