possibilism

Definition

The belief that possible things exist, as well as actual things.

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.

Example Sentences

• "Aim at a standard of adequacy (possibilism) rather than at a standard of perfection (utopianism)."