speculative philosophy

American  

noun

1. philosophy embodying beliefs insusceptible of proof and attempting to gain insight into the nature of the ultimate by intuitive or a priori means.

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Etymology

Origin of speculative philosophy

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The Abbasid rulers also faced religious divisions and criticism, even as the cosmopolitan nature of the caliphate sparked the growth of speculative philosophy and rationalizing thought.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

If “Clarissa” is an epistolary novel, then so, really, is “The Post Card” — and then half of “Tristram Shandy” is speculative philosophy.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2022

Scholastic Philosophy Marks a Step in Progress.—There arose in the ninth century a speculative philosophy which sought to harmonize the doctrine of the church with the philosophy of Neo-Platonism and the logic of Aristotle.

From History of Human Society by Blackmar, Frank W. (Frank Wilson)

Thus was embodied the essence of Christianity in a new and speculative philosophy.

From A Short History of Germany by Parmele, Mary Platt

By their aid speculative philosophy was rapidly disseminated everywhere, as was subsequently Christianity.

From History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume I (of 2) Revised Edition by Draper, John William