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nominalism

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun nominalism has 1 sense
  1. nominalism - (philosophy) the doctrine that the various objects labeled by the same term have nothing in common but their name
    --1 is a kind of
    philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory

Definitions from the Web

Nominalism

Description:

Nominalism is a philosophical concept that denies the existence of abstract entities or universals. It asserts that only individual objects or particulars have real existence, while general terms or concepts are mere names or linguistic constructs.

Senses:

1. Philosophy: The theory that holds universals or abstract concepts to be mere names without any objective or independent existence.

2. Religion: The belief in the mere resemblance or symbolic nature of religious rituals or sacraments, rather than their inherent supernatural power.

Usages:

1. Philosophical Nominalism: In philosophical discourse, nominalism refers to the belief that universal concepts, such as "beauty" or "justice," are simply linguistic conventions without any objective reality.

Example sentence: Many philosophers throughout history have debated the merits of nominalism versus realism.

2. Religious Nominalism: In religious discussions, nominalism can describe the interpretation of religious rituals or sacraments as symbolic gestures rather than conduits of divine power.

Example sentence: The priest explained to the congregation that, according to nominalism, the holy water did not possess innately purifying properties but served as a symbolic reminder of baptism.

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