A positivist is an individual who adheres to positivism, a philosophical system asserting that valid knowledge is exclusively derived from sensory experience and empirical evidence. Positivists prioritize scientific observation and experimentation, rejecting metaphysics and subjective interpretations as sources of genuine understanding. They believe that scientific methods are the most reliable means of acquiring knowledge and should be applied to all areas of inquiry, including the social sciences. Positivism emphasizes the objective and measurable aspects of reality, seeking to establish universal laws and principles based on observed phenomena. This approach champions the idea of verifiable facts and eschews speculative or abstract reasoning.
Positivist meaning with examples
- The sociologist, a staunch positivist, meticulously analyzed statistical data, believing that only quantifiable evidence could reveal the underlying causes of social inequality. He rejected anecdotal evidence and personal opinions. He saw value in the empirical work of understanding society. His research focused heavily on statistical analysis.
- As a historian, she approached the study of past events as a dedicated positivist, painstakingly examining primary sources and seeking concrete evidence to support her claims. She avoided narratives that relied on speculation or moral judgments. Only hard evidence would win her belief. Her focus was on undeniable sources.
- The medical researcher, a rigorous positivist, insisted on conducting controlled experiments and analyzing results with statistical precision to validate his theories. He believed that unscientific methods could lead to inaccurate conclusions, especially in the fields of medicine and health. The application of scientific methods was essential to his work. Rigor was the ultimate goal.
- Despite her training in philosophy, she often clashed with her colleagues because she applied a positivist's stance to literary criticism, insisting that the meaning of a text should be derived solely from its observable features, such as language and structure. She tried to remove any subjective analysis. Her belief was firmly placed in the measurable elements.
Positivist Synonyms
empiricist logician objectivist realist scientistPositivist Antonyms
idealist intuitionist metaphysician speculativist subjectivistPositivist Crossword Answers
8 Letters
POSITIVE
11 Letters
RATIONALIST
12 Letters
POSITIVISTIC