nominalism

IPA: nˈɑmʌnʌɫɪzʌm

(philosophy) A doctrine that universals do not have an existence except as names for classes of concrete objects.

Examples of "nominalism" in Sentences

In philosophy, nominalism is the belief that abstract concepts like numbers and universals exist as names only, without an independent reality
Some scholars argue that nominalism offers a more pragmatic approach to understanding the world, emphasizing the importance of individual things over overarching categories
The debate between nominalism and realism has been ongoing for centuries, with proponents of each side presenting compelling arguments
Nominalism challenges our assumptions about the nature of reality, questioning whether concepts like justice or beauty have an existence separate from human language and thought
While nominalism may seem radical to some, it offers a fresh perspective on how we construct meaning and understanding in a complex world