ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Positivism

Positivism is a way of thinking that takes an evidence-based approach to solve problems. It is based on the idea that looking at hard evidence, or facts, is the best way to understand and make decisions about the world around us. This way of thinking exists in all kinds of areas, from science to psychology to engineering to law. Scientists use positivism to look at data and come up with theories and explanations. Psychologists use positivism to study people's behavior and figure out why people act the way they do. Engineers use positivism to analyze data about materials and structures when designing things. And in law, judges and lawyers use positivism to look at evidence and come to conclusions about cases. So in a nutshell, positivism is all about taking a scientific and rational approach to understanding the world.