philosophical foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "philosophical foundation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it generally refers to the underlying principles or beliefs that serve as the basis for a philosophical theory or argument. For example: - The philosopher's argument was built upon a strong philosophical foundation of existentialism and individualism. - The new political party is still developing its philosophical foundation, but it is believed to be rooted in principles of social justice and equality. - The company's success can be attributed to its strong philosophical foundation of innovation and customer satisfaction.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cucinelli's investment in village life has, naturally, a philosophical foundation.

The New Yorker

In short, the philosophical foundation for an agreement is already firmly in place.

The New York Times

Aquinas, in some 25 years of work, set theology firmly on a philosophical foundation, especially in his Summa contra gentiles (1258 64) and Summa theologiae (1265/66 1273).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A number of players, including Little and running back Mercury Morris, cited Shula's influence as a philosophical foundation for later success.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, if you dispense with romantic and existential aspects of politics as mere frippery, you may well knock away the philosophical foundation of what you profess to believe.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the late 17th century, liberalism was given a sophisticated philosophical foundation in Locke's theories of natural rights, including the right to private property and to government by consent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Grotius had based the authenticity of the laws of nature on the general agreement of civilized nations, but Cumberland sought a more secure philosophical foundation than this doctrine of "common consent".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Poet and essayist Lucian Blaga attempted to provide a philosophical foundation for the description of Romanian national characteristics, partly determined by geographical conditions, while Gala Galaction translated the Bible and wrote novels on biblical subjects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An economic earthquake has created a huge crack in the philosophical foundation of the Republican Party, but their House members seem to be in denial, blaming everyone except themselves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

At first just a jobbing analytic philosopher, he began to question his philosophical foundations in the early 1970s.

The Guardian

The publication of A Theory of Justice (1971), by the American philosopher John Rawls, spurred a revival of interest in the philosophical foundations of political liberalism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "philosophical foundation", clearly define the specific philosophical school of thought or principles you are referring to, to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "philosophical foundation" without specifying the philosophical tradition or principles involved. For example, instead of saying 'The project lacks a philosophical foundation', specify 'The project lacks a philosophical foundation rooted in ethical considerations'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "philosophical foundation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the underlying principles or beliefs that underpin a concept, theory, or system. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "philosophical foundation" is a noun phrase denoting the underlying principles or beliefs upon which a concept, theory, or system is built. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse authoritative sources. The phrase functions to establish credibility and provide a rationale, with a formal and scientific register. It is commonly used in science, news & media, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the philosophical tradition or principles involved for clarity. Alternatives include "conceptual basis", "theoretical underpinning", and "intellectual groundwork", depending on the context. Understanding and appropriately using "philosophical foundation" enhances the precision and depth of academic and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual basis

Focuses on the conceptual or abstract nature of the foundation.

theoretical underpinning

Emphasizes the theoretical aspect serving as a foundation.

intellectual groundwork

Highlights the preparatory intellectual work that forms the basis.

doctrinal basis

Refers specifically to the foundational doctrines or beliefs.

principled stance

Suggests a foundation based on strong moral or ethical principles.

ideological underpinnings

Focuses on the underlying ideology that serves as a foundation.

rational ground

Emphasizes the rational or logical basis.

cognitive framework

Highlights the cognitive or mental structure serving as a foundation.

logical substructure

Focuses on the logical elements that constitute the foundation.

reasoned justification

Emphasizes the process of reasoning that forms the basis.

FAQs

How can I use "philosophical foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "philosophical foundation" to describe the underlying principles or beliefs upon which an idea, theory, or system is based. For example, "The ethical theory has a strong philosophical foundation in utilitarianism".

What is an alternative to saying "philosophical foundation"?

Alternatives include "conceptual basis", "theoretical underpinning", or "intellectual groundwork" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to have a "philosophical foundation"?

To have a "philosophical foundation" means that an idea, argument, or system is based on specific philosophical principles, theories, or schools of thought that provide a coherent and logical basis for its claims and assumptions.

Why is it important for a theory to have a "philosophical foundation"?

A "philosophical foundation" provides a framework for understanding the core assumptions and values of a theory, enhancing its credibility, coherence, and potential impact. It also allows for more rigorous analysis and critique of the theory's strengths and weaknesses.