1. philosophical systems that hold that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience and scientific observation
Usage: philosophy; plural form
2. attitudes or approaches that emphasize facts and practical matters over theory or speculation
Usage: general usage; plural form

Examples

• The professor compared different positivisms in 19th-century philosophy.
• Various positivisms emerged as reactions against traditional metaphysics.
• Legal positivisms focus on law as it is written rather than as it should be.
• The scientist’s work reflected the positivisms of her era.
• Modern positivisms continue to influence social research methods.
• Students studied the differences between logical and social positivisms.