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Wed 2 Feb, 2005 08:51 am
Nominalism and Terminism
What are the meanings of these words? And what is the difference between the two words?
Quote:Nominalism
1 a : a theory that there are no universal essences in reality and that the mind can frame no single concept or image corresponding to any universal or general term; specifically : a theory advanced by the medieval thinker Roscellinus that universal terms such as indicate genus or species and all general collective words or terms such as animal, man, tree, air, city, nation, wagon have no objective real existence corresponding to them but are mere words, names, or terms or mere vocal utterances and that only particular individual things and events exist -- compare CONCEPTUALISM, REALISM b : a logical or mathematical theory excluding from its language any names or variables for such abstract or higher level entities as classes -- contrasted with platonism
2 : a sociological doctrine or theory that holds that society is merely an aggregate of discrete individuals and that it has no superorganic reality -- contrasted with realism
Quote:Terminism
Inflected Form(s): -s
Etymology: terminist + -ism
: the doctrine of the terminists ; specifically : OCKHAMISM
Quote:ter·mi·nist
Etymology: New Latin terminista, from Medieval Latin terminus term, period + Latin -ista -ist
1 : one who maintains that God has fixed a certain term for the probation of individual persons during which period and no longer they have the offer of grace
2 : OCKHAMIST
Quote: Ockhamist
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: William of Ockham (or Occam) + English -ist or -ite
: an adherent of Ockhamism
sources: Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged. Merriam-Webster, 2002
Hope that helps a bit :wink:
No easy Translatorcz, translating philosophy!
Nominalism - the theory that only individuals and no abstract entities (as essences, classes, or propositions) exist.
Terminalism - That rely on facts. Philosophic doctrine establishing a degree of imperfection related to the absolute.
(hey, you guys help me in English :
Terminalisme
-Toute chose détermine un degré d'imperfection par rapport à un absolu.
-L'évidence d'un absolu est déterminée par l'existence de ses effets sous la forme d'imperfections. )
Philosophic doctrine establishing a degree of imperfection related to the absolute.
I'm still perplexed at this sentense. Could you please explain in detail? For example: tell me what you think of the word "terminalism"?