Nominalism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Nominalism is a philosophical belief that abstract concepts, like numbers or universals, do not exist as real entities but are only names or labels created by humans for convenience.
Definition:
A philosophical doctrine that universals or abstract concepts are merely names without independent existence.
Synonyms:
conceptualism, terminism, formalism
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
realism, essentialism
Common Collocations:
philosophical nominalism, medieval nominalism, nominalism debate, nominalism vs realism
Derivatives:
nominalist, nominalistic
Usage Tips:
Use "nominalism" when discussing philosophy to denote the rejection of universal abstractions in favor of individual instances.
Common Phrases:
"nominalism in philosophy, " "debate over nominalism, " "nominalism vs conceptualism"
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "nomen" (name), reflecting its focus on names over abstract realities.
Examples:
- 1. The philosopher defended nominalism in his latest paper.
- 2. Nominalism challenges the existence of universal truths beyond language.
- 3. Her thesis explores medieval nominalism and its critics.
- 4. Teachers often simplify nominalism for introductory philosophy courses.