logical positivism

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Logical Positivism (noun)

Definition: Logical positivism is a philosophical idea that says knowledge should come from things we can see, hear, or experience directly. It tells us that we should not rely on feelings, beliefs, or ideas that cannot be tested or observed. In other words, if something cannot be proven through our senses, it is not considered meaningful knowledge.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "logical positivism" when discussing philosophy, science, or theories about knowledge.
• It is often used in academic or intellectual discussions.

Example:

• "Logical positivism argues that statements about the world should be based on observable facts rather than personal beliefs."

Advanced Usage:

• In philosophy, logical positivism is sometimes contrasted with other theories that value intuition or revelation as sources of knowledge.
• Scholars may debate the implications of logical positivism for scientific inquiry and ethics.

Word Variants:

• Logical Positivist (noun/adjective): Refers to a person who supports the ideas of logical positivism or describes something related to it.
  • Example: "He is a logical positivist who believes that science is the only way to understand reality."

Different Meanings:

• The term "positivism" alone can refer to any belief that emphasizes observable phenomena but does not always include the "logical" part, which emphasizes rigorous reasoning and verification.

Synonyms:

• Empiricism: A similar idea that emphasizes knowledge coming from experience.
• Scientific realism: A belief that science can provide a true understanding of the world.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Seeing is believing": This idiom reflects the idea that you should only trust what you can observe, similar to the principles of logical positivism.
• "Put to the test": This phrasal verb means to try something out to see if it works or is true, which aligns with the logical positivist view that knowledge must be verifiable.

Academic

Noun

1. the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation)

Synonyms

• positivism