positivist

American  

[pahz-i-ti-vist] / ˈpɑz ɪ tɪ vɪst /

adjective

1. relating or adhering to positivism as a philosophical system.

2. relating or adhering to a theory of law based on the authority of the lawmaker rather than on ethical considerations that govern or precede the law.

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noun

1. someone who adheres to positivism as a philosophical system.

2. someone who adheres to a theory of law based on the authority of the lawmaker rather than on ethical considerations that govern or precede the law.

Example Sentences

Positivist philosophy has told us that ethics is merely a game of words and that moral judgments are only opinions.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Positivist argument that the only worthy immortality is survival in the grateful remembrance of one's fellow creatures would hardly be regarded as anything but a travesty and trick.

From Through Nature to God by Fiske, John

In his treatise on Comte, Mr. Mill showed no mercy to the Positivist religion, and, indeed, bitterly offended many of its votaries by his contemptuous exposure of its follies.

From Modern Leaders: Being a Series of Biographical Sketches by McCarthy, Justin

The Positivist conception of Atheism exhibits the limits which modern thought has impressed upon it.

From The Limits Of Atheism Or, Why should Sceptics be Outlaws? by Holyoake, George Jacob

The Positivist leader had always shown signs of morbid megalomania.

From Modern Saints and Seers by Marrett, Evan