philosophism

American  

[fi-los-uh-fiz-uhm] / fɪˈlɒs əˌfɪz əm /

noun

1. spurious or deceitful philosophy.

2. a false or contrived argument, especially one designed to deceive.

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Other Word Forms

• antiphilosophism noun

Etymology

Origin of philosophism

First recorded in 1785–95; philosoph(y) + -ism

Example Sentences

Many Spaniards, some of illustrious birth and others of great learning, were the objects of secret informations, as suspected of impiety and philosophism.

From Project Gutenberg

It was Dr. Lind, according to Hogg, who gave Shelley his first lessons in French philosophism.

From Project Gutenberg

Though Madame du Deffand was not, like the wealthier but more plebeian Madame Geoffrin, and later Madame Helvétius, a 'nursing mother of the philosophers,' in the sense of supplying their necessities, her salon in the Rue Saint Dominique was long one of the chief resorts of philosophism.

From Project Gutenberg

French 'philosophism' then became suddenly militant and practical.

From Project Gutenberg

In France Condillac’s doctrine, so congenial to the tone of 18th century philosophism, reigned in the schools for over fifty years, challenged only by a few who, like Maine de Biran, saw that it gave no sufficient account of volitional experience.

From Project Gutenberg