positivism

/ˌpɑzədɪˈvɪzəm/

Definitions of positivism

1. noun

   a quality or state characterized by certainty or acceptance or affirmation and dogmatic assertiveness
   synonyms: positiveness, positivity

   types:

   assertiveness, self-assertiveness

   aggressive self-assurance; given to making bold assertions

   bumptiousness, cockiness, forwardness, pushiness

   offensive boldness and assertiveness

   type of:

   quality

   an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
2. noun

   the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation)
   synonyms: logical positivism

   types:

   Comtism

   Auguste Comte's positivistic philosophy that metaphysics and theology should be replaced by a hierarchy of sciences from mathematics at the base to sociology at the top

   type of:

   empiricism, empiricist philosophy, sensationalism

   (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience