Philosophical Conceptions
(a science that attempts to discover the fundamental principles of the sciences, the arts, and the world that the sciences and arts influence)
positivism
The restriction of philosophical inquiry to problems open to scientific methods.
pragmatism
The doctrine that truth is the practical efficacy of an idea.
prolegomena
Introductory studies.
realism
1. In epistemology, the doctrine that the external world exists independently of perception, and substantially as perceived by humans.
2. In logic, the doctrine that universal ideas have objective realities corresponding to them.
2. In logic, the doctrine that universal ideas have objective realities corresponding to them.
scholasticism
The philosophy of the medieval theologians; in general, the separation of speculation from observation and practice.
sociology
The study of social institutions and processes.
subjective
As existing in thought; in Spinoza, as the object of thought.
substance
In Spinoza, the basic and eternal reality, the structure and law of the world.
teleology
The theory or study of development as caused by the purposes which things serve.
theist
A believer in a personal God.
transcendental
Beyond the realm and reach of the senses.
tropism
An invariable response.
utilitarianism
The doctrine that all actions are to be judged in terms of their utility in promoting the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
vitalism
The doctrine that life is the basic realty, of which everything else is a form or manifestation.
voluntarism
The doctrine that will is the basic factor, both in the universe and in human conduct.
