Definition

A philosophical belief that abstract concepts and general terms do not have their own existence but are just names for specific things.

Example

Nominalism challenges the idea that universals have a real existence beyond individual objects.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of nominalism in philosophy?

Yeah, I think it’s the idea that only individual things exist, right?

Exactly! It suggests that abstract concepts don’t have any real existence.

That’s interesting; it really makes you think about how we use language.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nominalism is formed from "nomen" (meaning name) and the suffix "-alism" (indicating a doctrine or belief). The term refers to the philosophical doctrine that universals or general concepts are merely names without any corresponding reality, emphasizing the importance of names in categorizing and understanding the world.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nomen' meaning 'name' to remember that nominalism focuses on the significance of names and concepts in philosophy.

Visually Confused Words