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

Derived Forms

• conˈceptualist, noun
• conˌceptualˈistic, adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceptualism¹

First recorded in 1830–40; conceptual + -ism

Example Sentences

In the show’s catalog, Gates cites the “shamanic conceptualism” of the German postwar artist Joseph Beuys as inspiration for his work.

From New York Times

She saw exciting developments in abstraction, conceptualism, and performance emerging on both East and West Coasts.

From New York Times

She felt removed, too, from tendencies toward conceptualism in Black American art at the time.

From New York Times

It highlights important movements with SoCal roots, such as Light and Space, Pop art, Minimalism, California conceptualism, and early and midcentury modernism.

From Los Angeles Times

I grew up in the era of conceptualism and earthworks and all those artists.

From New York Times