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conceptualism

[ kuhn-sep-choo-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

, Philosophy.
  1. any of several doctrines existing as a compromise between realism and nominalism and regarding universals as concepts. Compare nominalism, realism ( def 5 ).


conceptualism

/ kənˈsɛptjʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

  1. the philosophical theory that the application of general words to a variety of objects reflects the existence of some mental entity through which the application is mediated and which constitutes the meaning of the term Compare nominalism realism Platonism
  2. the philosophical view that there is no reality independent of our conception of it, or (as in the philosophy of Kant) that the intellect is not a merely passive recipient of experience but rather imposes a structure on it
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • conˈceptualist, noun
  • conˌceptualˈistic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • con·ceptu·al·ist noun
  • con·ceptu·al·istic adjective
  • con·ceptu·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of conceptualism1

First recorded in 1830–40; conceptual + -ism
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Example Sentences

Conceptualism exploded the art experience, made it an idea and experience, and something more than purely visual.

So far nominalism and conceptualism—the theory that kinds exist only in words or in ideas—was on the right track.

The view of Socrates is the meeting-point of the other two, just as conceptualism is the meeting-point of nominalism and realism.

The names by which the three doctrines are respectively designated are, Realism, Nominalism, and Conceptualism.

The term Concept has no necessary connection with the theory called Conceptualism.

Nominalism is covered by empirical tendencies, and conceptualism by modern idealism.

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