a positive conception of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive conception of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an optimistic or constructive understanding or interpretation of a concept, idea, or situation. Example: "The author presents a positive conception of community engagement, highlighting its benefits for social cohesion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(What is a dedication to wellness but an indulgence of the self?) But one might also wonder, by the end of this book, what rhetorical resources are left for a positive conception of wellness.

The Guardian - Books

Here Fell upholds a positive conception of sexual difference, according to which the female body is integral (rather than irrelevant) to the bringing of Christ's message.

SEP

But Scotus thinks we can have a positive conception of infinity, according to which infinity is not a negative, relational property, but instead a positive, intrinsic property.

SEP

This would presuppose that he had not only a clear notion of the nature of the different virtues, but also a positive conception of the good life as such.

SEP

Common to many of them is a positive conception of ultimate truth which ascribes specific qualities to it and gets close to the theory of Buddha-nature (tathāgatagarbha) that became very important in the later development of Buddhist thought.

SEP

Although Rousseau (1973 [1762]) seemed to advocate a positive conception of liberty, according to which one was free when one acted according to one's true will (the general will), the positive conception was best developed by the British neo-Hegelians of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, such as Thomas Hill Green and Bernard Bosanquet (2001 [1923]).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His contention, however, that the human mind could not attain to any positive conception of the nature of God or his goodness provoked considerable controversy, and Mansel, who meant to attack deism, rather than theism, was accused of agnosticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This presents a fairly positive conception of the soul-body relation, one that clearly runs counter to the Manichean picture of the soul's entrapment.

SEP

Policy needs to be grounded upon an uplifting and positive conception of human nature, which stresses the goodness of man, and which attempts to bring about outcomes that improve the quality of human experience and communal life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, the positive conception of complexity permits an analysis of the ways in which modern societies and their functional differentiation opens up democratic forms of self-organization independently of some possible expressively integrated totality.

SEP

Nonetheless, we should be able to get an even better grip on Leibniz's positive conception of matter by looking more explicitly at four passive powers, or forces, which he attributes to bodies as they are studied by the physicist.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for objectivity, balance the use of "a positive conception of" with acknowledgements of potential drawbacks or alternative viewpoints to present a well-rounded perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a positive conception of" as a blanket endorsement without delving into the complexities or potential downsides of the concept. Always provide a balanced and nuanced discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive conception of" functions as a noun phrase complement, often used to describe or qualify a particular view, understanding, or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, noting its use in discussing optimistic or constructive perspectives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive conception of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing an optimistic or constructive understanding. Though not extremely frequent, its usage spans diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is effective for highlighting the benefits or advantages of a concept, but it's important to balance it with critical analysis and diverse viewpoints for a well-rounded perspective. Alternatives like "an optimistic understanding of" or "a constructive view of" offer similar meanings. Remember, while presenting a positive view, always consider potential drawbacks to maintain objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an optimistic understanding of

Replaces "positive conception" with "optimistic understanding" to emphasize a hopeful perspective.

a favorable interpretation of

Substitutes "conception" with "interpretation" and "positive" with "favorable", focusing on a beneficial reading.

a constructive view of

Uses "constructive view" instead of "positive conception" to highlight a helpful and practical perspective.

a supportive perspective on

Replaces "conception" with "perspective" and "positive" with "supportive", emphasizing backing and encouragement.

an encouraging assessment of

Uses "encouraging assessment" instead of "positive conception" to convey an optimistic evaluation.

a hopeful outlook on

Replaces "conception" with "outlook" and "positive" with "hopeful", focusing on a bright future.

a bright viewpoint on

Substitutes "conception" with "viewpoint" and "positive" with "bright" to highlight an optimistic angle.

a promising idea of

Uses "promising idea" instead of "positive conception" to suggest potential and future success.

a rosy notion of

Replaces "conception" with "notion" and "positive" with "rosy", emphasizing a pleasant and optimistic idea.

an affirmative perception of

Substitutes "conception" with "perception" and "positive" with "affirmative", focusing on confirmation and validation.

FAQs

How can I use "a positive conception of" in a sentence?

You can use "a positive conception of" to describe an optimistic or constructive understanding of something. For example, "The philosopher presented "a positive conception of" human nature, emphasizing inherent goodness."

What are some alternatives to "a positive conception of"?

Alternatives include "an optimistic understanding of", "a favorable interpretation of", or "a constructive view of", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a positive conception of"?

While generally acceptable, using "a positive conception of" should be balanced with critical analysis. Consider acknowledging potential drawbacks or alternative perspectives to provide a more comprehensive view.

What is the difference between "a positive conception of" and "a negative conception of"?

"A positive conception of" emphasizes the beneficial or constructive aspects of an idea, while "a negative conception of" focuses on the drawbacks or limitations.