Definitions for: Sensationalism


[n] the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
[n] the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good
[n] the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes; "the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation"
[n] subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes



Webster (1913) Definition: Sen*sa"tion*al*ism, n.
1. (Metaph.) The doctrine held by Condillac, and by some
ascribed to Locke, that our ideas originate solely in
sensation, and consist of sensations transformed;
sensualism; -- opposed to intuitionalism, and
rationalism.

2. The practice or methods of sensational writing or
speaking; as, the sensationalism of a novel.

Synonyms: empiricism, empiricist philosophy, luridness, sensualism

See Also: content, experimentalism, journalese, logical positivism, message, philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory, positivism, subject matter, substance

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