possibilism

Meaning

1. The belief that possible things exist, as well as actual things.
2. The theory that the geographical environment sets certain constraints, but culture is otherwise determined by social conditions.
3. An approach that pragmatically focuses on achievable goals rather than impossible ideals.
4. Any of various socialist reform movements.

Etymology / origin

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.

Related words

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