Possibilism
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The belief that possible things exist, as well as actual things. countable, uncountable
- 2 The theory that the geographical environment sets certain constraints, but culture is otherwise determined by social conditions. countable, uncountable
- 3 An approach that pragmatically focuses on achievable goals rather than impossible ideals. countable, uncountable
"Aim at a standard of adequacy (possibilism) rather than at a standard of perfection (utopianism)."
- 4 Any of various socialist reform movements. countable, derogatory, sometimes, uncountable
Example
More examples"Aim at a standard of adequacy (possibilism) rather than at a standard of perfection (utopianism)."
Etymology
Borrowed from French possibilisme. By surface analysis, Latin possibil|is, ~e (“that can be done”) + -ism, from Latin po|ssum, ~(te)sse, ~tuī (“be able”) + -ibil|is, ~e (“-able”). First attested in 1883.