experimentalism
UK[ɪkˌsperɪˈmentəlɪzəm]US[ɪkˌsperəˈmentəlˌɪzəm]
n
A doctrine or practice that emphasizes the importance of experiment and observation, especially in philosophy, science, or the arts.
n
The tendency or disposition to rely on or be guided by experiments.
Morpheme Breakdown
experiment
al
ism
experiment
test
al
adjective suffix
ism
doctrine
Etymology
The word 'experimentalism' is a modern philosophical and scientific term built upon the classical foundation of 'experiment'. Its core, the Latin verb experiri ('to try, test'), itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root per- ('to try, risk'), which also gives us 'peril' and 'experience'. The suffix '-al' transforms the noun 'experiment' into the adjective 'experimental', meaning 'pertaining to or based on experiment'. Finally, the Greek-derived nominalizing suffix '-ism' is appended, converting the adjective into an abstract noun that denotes a doctrine or systematic practice. Thus, the literal morphemic sequence—'experiment' + 'characterized by' + 'doctrine'—logically coalesces into the modern meaning: a philosophy or methodology that prioritizes empirical testing and observation as the primary source of knowledge.
Analysis
Structure: experiment (test) + al (adjective suffix) + ism (doctrine)
- experiment: From Latin experimentum ('a trial, test, proof'), from experiri ('to try, test'). Functions as the core noun root.
- al: A suffix of Latin origin (-alis) used to form adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'.
- ism: A suffix of Greek origin (-ισμός, -ismos) used to form nouns denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Examples
The artist's work was defined by a spirit of experimentalism, often incorporating unconventional materials and techniques.
Pragmatism in philosophy shares a deep connection with scientific experimentalism, valuing practical consequences and tested results.
His experimentalism in the kitchen led to some surprisingly successful, if unusual, flavor combinations.