philosophical support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "philosophical support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the theoretical or conceptual backing for an idea, argument, or belief system. Example: "The philosopher provided philosophical support for his argument, drawing on various ethical theories to strengthen his position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A Republican who attended the meeting said he was "surprised to see almost unanimous philosophical support for the idea that we should charge wealthier beneficiaries more".

The New York Times

But whether he did, or didn't, there is no doubt that the Turnbull government has abandoned any hint of philosophical support for small government and the rights of the individual.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Obama has emphasized cautious restraint, out of philosophical support for Arab demands for self-governance and out of a conviction that events in the region are largely beyond American control.

The New York Times

Although respondents in the Montgomery study expressed philosophical support for ­minimum-wage increases, especially in the nonprofit sector, they estimated they would have to reduce their lower-wage workforce by an average of 23percentt if the minimum wage reached $15.

The Washington Post

CCA provides financial and philosophical support for initiatives that carry the highest innovative, experimental, and life-changing potential in the arts, funding such projects through a competitive annual grant process and initiating programs that encourage interaction with a broad variety of outside entities.

Cornell University

Philosophical support for this thought involves an idea of practical commensurability.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

That brings to mind the perhaps surprising thought that Mr. Deller and artists of the relational aesthetics movement with whom he is routinely identified share something central with Mr. Hirst: a sense of crisis around the question of what art can be for, in a time when all its traditional philosophical supports seem to have collapsed.

The New York Times - Arts

Condillac's other philosophical works support and embellish the doctrines of the Essay and the Treatise.

SEP

A long philosophical tradition supports your view.

The New York Times

This growing consensus across philosophical studies supports the phenomenological view of pre-reflective self-consciousness.

SEP

Indeed, these theories seem to take the naíve, perhaps somewhat confused but intuitive understanding of pain embedded in common sense and turn it into a full-fledged philosophical theory supported on a general and independent platform about what perception involves.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "philosophical support", clearly specify the philosophical tradition or thinker that provides the backing. This adds precision and credibility to your argument.

Common error

Avoid stating that an idea has "philosophical support" without identifying the specific philosophical concepts or arguments that provide this support. Vague references can weaken your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "philosophical support" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe the theoretical or conceptual basis for an idea, argument, or policy. As seen in Ludwig, this implies that the subject has backing from established philosophical principles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "philosophical support" is a noun phrase used to indicate that an idea or argument is grounded in philosophical principles. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, lending credibility and authority to the subject at hand. When using this phrase, it's best to specify the philosophical tradition or thinker providing the support to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "theoretical justification" or "conceptual backing" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Theoretical justification

Focuses on the theoretical basis rather than explicitly stating it's philosophical.

Conceptual backing

Highlights the conceptual foundations providing support.

Intellectual foundation

Emphasizes the intellectual underpinnings or groundwork.

Doctrinal endorsement

Implies a formal approval from a set of beliefs or doctrines.

Ideological backing

Refers to support based on a particular ideology.

Epistemological basis

Specifically relates to the theory of knowledge as a foundation.

Rational basis

Highlights the rational or logical justification.

Principled justification

Suggests the support is based on established principles.

Scholarly approval

Implies acceptance and support from the academic community.

Academic rationale

Focuses on the academic or scholarly reasoning behind something.

FAQs

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

You can use "philosophical support" to indicate that an idea, argument, or concept is grounded in or justified by philosophical principles. For instance: "The policy change found "philosophical support" in utilitarian ethics".

What are some alternatives to "philosophical support"?

Alternatives include "theoretical justification", "conceptual backing", or "intellectual foundation". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "philosophical support" or "theoretical support"?

Both are valid, but "philosophical support" specifically implies a grounding in philosophical thought, while "theoretical support" is broader and can refer to any kind of theory. Choose the term that best reflects the nature of the backing.

What does it mean when an argument has "philosophical support"?

It means the argument aligns with and is strengthened by established philosophical ideas, principles, or frameworks. This connection to philosophical thought lends the argument greater credibility and depth.