# positivism

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɒzɪtɪvˌɪzm/ · frequency rank #58,940

## Definitions
1. A doctrine that states that the only authentic knowledge is scientific knowledge, and that such knowledge can only come from positive affirmation of theories through strict scientific method, refusing every form of metaphysics.
2. A school of thought in jurisprudence in which the law is seen as separated from moral values; i.e. the law is posited by lawmakers (humans).

## Etymology
Borrowed from French positivisme, from positif (“positive”). Equivalent to positive + -ism.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/positivism