Definition of POSITIVISM

positivism

Meanings

Plural: positivisms

Noun

  • the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation)
  • a quality or state characterized by certainty or acceptance or affirmation and dogmatic assertiveness
  • A doctrine that states that the only authentic knowledge is scientific knowledge, and that such knowledge can only come from positive affirmation of theories through strict scientific method, refusing every form of metaphysics.
  • A school of thought in jurisprudence in which the law is seen as separated from moral values; i.e. the law is posited by lawmakers (humans).

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from French positivisme, from positif (“positive”). Equivalent to positive + -ism.

Synonyms

legal positivism, logical positivism, positiveness, positivity

Scrabble Score: 17

positivism is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
positivism is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
positivism is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 20

positivism is a valid Words With Friends word