operationalism

[ op-uh-rey-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

, Philosophy.

1. the doctrine that the meaning of a scientific term, concept, or proposition consists of the operation or operations performed in defining or demonstrating it.

operationalism

/ ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənəˌlɪzəm; ˌɒpəˈreɪʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy the theory that scientific terms are defined by the experimental operations which determine their applicability

Derived Forms

• ˌoperˌationalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• op·er·a·tion·al·ist noun
• op·er·a·tion·al·is·tic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of operationalism¹

First recorded in 1930–35; operational + -ism

Example Sentences

Other philosophers found this way of thinking — known as operationalism — an intellectual cop‐out.

From Quanta Magazine