observationalismn.
/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn̩əlɪz(ə)m/, /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃnl̩ɪz(ə)m/, /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃ(ə)nəlɪz(ə)m/, U.S. /ˌɑbzərˈveɪʃənlˌɪz(ə)m/, /ˌɑbzərˈveɪʃnəˌlɪz(ə)m/ Philosophy.
The theory that all knowledge is based on observation. Also: the belief that observation, rather than theory, is the basis of science. In recent use in the arts, and esp. in film: a strictly factual and descriptive approach to documentary narrative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > empiricism > [noun] > observationalism
observationalism1888
observationality1960
1888 H. Calderwood Lect. Edinb. Univ. 24 Oct. Observationalism..sought an explanation of existence in the facts of existence themselves.
1946 Jrnl. Philos. 43 316 Why swing from bad metaphysics to smug ‘observationalism’? and an observationalism which keeps a flash [of light] in a neutral something called ‘space’.
1951 Mind 60 44 The inductive account of scientific method, which is an alternative way of stating observationalism, postulated..the cautious generalization which must not go beyond the data.
1966 Philosophy 41 360 Opposition to dogmatic observationalism should not develop into dogmatic anti-observationalism.
1988 Speculum 63 236 It shows unusual independence and observationalism.
1999 J. Corner Crit. Ideas in Television Stud. v. 56 Between these poles of full theatricality and observationalism..the documentary has a whole range of options for narrativizing its materials.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1888