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

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg