ELAP ISM Vocab

Existentialism

Each man exists as an individual in a purposeless universe, opposing his hostile environment through free will.

Nihilism

The belief that there is no meaning or purpose in existence.

Solipsism

The theory that the self is the only thing that truly exists.

Heroism

Qualities of bravery and noble action that are admired by others.

Nationalism

Patriotism; prioritizing national interests above all.

Imperialism

An empire consisting of many nations and areas controlled by a central government.

Objectivism

The doctrine emphasizing the objective reality of all that is known or perceived, distinguishing objects from mere mental constructs.

Materialism

the doctrine that matter is the only reality and that everything in the world, including thought, will, feeling, can be explained only in terms of matter; comfort, pleasure, and wealth are the only or highest goals or values

Anarchism

The view that all forms of government unjustly interfere with individual liberty and are therefore undesirable.

Dogmatism

the expression of an opinion or belief as if it were a fact : positiveness in assertion of opinion especially when unwarranted or arrogant. A dogmatic assertion of opinion, usually without reference to evidence.

Determinism

everything is entirely determined by a sequence of causes—choice of action not free, but determined by a sequence of causes independent of will (mechanical)

Isolationism

A policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially in political matters.

Empiricism

The theory that sensory experience is the only source of knowledge, relying on personal experience and observation over theory and reasoning.

Pessimism

The belief that the existing world is the worst possible, with evil outweighing good and a tendency to focus on negative aspects.

Mysticism

The doctrine that communion with God can be achieved through contemplation and love, bypassing human reasoning to attain spiritual truths through intuition.