Positivism: meaning, definitions and examples

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positivism

[ˈpɒzɪtɪvɪz(ə)m ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

philosophy

A philosophical system that emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in the pursuit of knowledge.

Synonyms

empiricism, scientific method.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
positivism	Positivism is best used in academic or philosophical discussions about knowledge and scientific methodology. It emphasizes that knowledge should be based on empirical evidence and logical positivism. In his research, he strictly adhered to positivism, believing that only observable phenomena could be considered valid scientific knowledge. The philosophy of positivism rejects metaphysical speculations and focuses on observable facts.
empiricism	Empiricism is suitable for discussions in philosophy, science, and education, referring to the ideology that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. Empiricism forms the foundation for scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of experiments and observations. She adopted an empiricist approach, insisting that direct experience was the only valid source of information.
scientific method	Scientific method is commonly used in educational, experimental, and scientific environments to describe a systematic approach to research and problem-solving, involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion. The students were taught to apply the scientific method to their experiments, ensuring their results were reliable. Using the scientific method, the team was able to test their hypothesis and confirm their theory with empirical evidence.

Word

Description / Examples

positivism

Positivism is best used in academic or philosophical discussions about knowledge and scientific methodology. It emphasizes that knowledge should be based on empirical evidence and logical positivism.

In his research, he strictly adhered to positivism, believing that only observable phenomena could be considered valid scientific knowledge.
The philosophy of positivism rejects metaphysical speculations and focuses on observable facts.

empiricism

Empiricism is suitable for discussions in philosophy, science, and education, referring to the ideology that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience.

Empiricism forms the foundation for scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of experiments and observations.
She adopted an empiricist approach, insisting that direct experience was the only valid source of information.

scientific method

Scientific method is commonly used in educational, experimental, and scientific environments to describe a systematic approach to research and problem-solving, involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

The students were taught to apply the scientific method to their experiments, ensuring their results were reliable.
Using the scientific method, the team was able to test their hypothesis and confirm their theory with empirical evidence.

Examples of usage

His positivism led him to reject any metaphysical speculation.
The positivism of the 19th century greatly influenced the development of modern science.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

attitude

An optimistic and constructive attitude that focuses on the good in the world rather than the negative.

Synonyms

constructiveness, optimism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
positivism	Used in a philosophical or scientific context to refer to a theory that values positive facts and observable phenomena. He followed the mentality of positivism, focusing only on concrete data and evidence. In the field of sociology, positivism emphasizes empirical evidence.
optimism	Refers to a general attitude of hope and confidence about the future or the success of something. Despite the challenges, his optimism about the project never wavered. She approached life with a sense of optimism, believing that everything would eventually work out.
constructiveness	Used to describe an approach or attitude that is helpful, productive, and aims to improve situations. Her feedback was filled with constructiveness, aiming to enhance the team's performance. Even in conflicts, he maintained a spirit of constructiveness, looking for solutions.

Word

Description / Examples

positivism

Used in a philosophical or scientific context to refer to a theory that values positive facts and observable phenomena.

He followed the mentality of positivism, focusing only on concrete data and evidence.
In the field of sociology, positivism emphasizes empirical evidence.

optimism

Refers to a general attitude of hope and confidence about the future or the success of something.

Despite the challenges, his optimism about the project never wavered.
She approached life with a sense of optimism, believing that everything would eventually work out.

constructiveness

Used to describe an approach or attitude that is helpful, productive, and aims to improve situations.

Her feedback was filled with constructiveness, aiming to enhance the team's performance.
Even in conflicts, he maintained a spirit of constructiveness, looking for solutions.

Examples of usage

Her positivism was contagious, spreading hope and positivity to those around her.
I try to maintain a positivism even in the face of challenges.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term was coined by philosopher Auguste Comte in the early 19th century, who aimed to create a science of society.
Comte's positivism was a reaction against metaphysics and theology, focusing instead on observable phenomena.

Philosophy

Positivism dismisses subjective interpretations and emphasizes empirical evidence—knowledge derived from senses.
This philosophy influenced various fields, including sociology, psychology, and natural sciences.

Science

In scientific inquiry, positivism encourages rigorous experimentation and the reproducibility of results as core principles.
The scientific method, which includes hypothesis testing and data collection, has roots in positivist thought.

Criticism

Critics argue that positivism overlooks the subjective experiences and emotions that shape human behavior and society.
The philosophy has evolved, leading to diverse interpretations, including post-positivism that acknowledges the limitations of observable data.

Influence on Culture

Philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill adopted positivist ideas, promoting utilitarianism and social reforms.
In art and literature, positivism encouraged movements that focused on realism, emphasizing real-life experiences over romanticized versions.

Translations

Translations of the word "positivism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 positivismo

🇮🇳 पॉज़िटिविज़्म

🇩🇪 Positivismus

🇮🇩 positivisme

🇺🇦 позитивізм

🇵🇱 pozytywizm

🇯🇵 実証主義 (じっしょうしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 positivisme

🇪🇸 positivismo

🇹🇷 pozitivizm

🇰🇷 실증주의 (실증주의)

🇸🇦 الوضعية

🇨🇿 pozitivismus

🇸🇰 pozitivizmus

🇨🇳 实证主义 (shízhèng zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 pozitivizem

🇮🇸 jákvæðishyggja

🇰🇿 позитивизм

🇬🇪 პოზიტივიზმი

🇦🇿 pozitivizm

🇲🇽 positivismo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,788, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19785 subculture
19786 attired
19787 unfunded
19788 positivism
19789 perishing
19790 stoned
19791 fainter
...