positivists
POZ-uh-tih-vists
Definition
Researchers who hold that the methodology of the natural sciences—emphasizing observable facts, objective measurement, and the search for universal laws—is the only valid approach to understanding social and political reality.
Etymology
Derived from the French 'positivisme' and Latin 'positus' (placed or laid down), the term was popularized in the 19th century by Auguste Comte, who argued that knowledge should be based on verifiable, 'positive' facts rather than metaphysics or theology.
In the news
The term is used here as one side of a long-standing academic division in International Relations, contrasted with 'post-positivists' to describe opposing views on how the field should define and conduct rigorous research.
Interview – Hidemi Suganami
Read the full article ↗E-International Relations