possibilism
- noun
- /pəˈsɪbɪlɪzəm/
- Specialized
:
posibilismo
- The debate between possibilism and actualism is central to discussions about the existence of possible worlds.
Examples
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In his lecture, the professor explained possibilism as an alternative to actualism in metaphysics.
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Some philosophers argue that possibilism helps us understand the nature of potential events.
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The concept of possibilism emphasizes the reality of potential outcomes.
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Many philosophers debate the implications of possibilism in ethics.
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In his lecture, the professor explained possibilism as a view that recognizes the reality of potential states of affairs.
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Some philosophers argue that possibilism provides a framework for understanding what could exist beyond actual reality.
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The debate over possibilism invites exploration of how possible worlds can influence our understanding of existence.
Surface Forms
Morphology
possibilism = possible (transparent) = possibil + ism
As a philosophical doctrine about the reality of possibilities, the term straightforwardly names a belief concerning what is 'possible', so the derivation from 'possible' + '-ism' is direct.
Etymology
Possibilism comes from the word possible ('able to be') plus -ism ('belief' or 'view'). In philosophy, it names the view that possible things have some kind of real existence, so it is literally a 'belief in possibilities'. That's why the word is used for the idea that what 'could be' may be real, not just imagination.
