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 |
2. | The practice or methods of sensational writing or speaking; |
Noun | 1. | sensationalism - subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes |
2. | sensationalism - the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes; "the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation" Synonyms: luridness | |
3. | sensationalism - (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good Synonyms: sensualism | |
4. | sensationalism - (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience Synonyms: empiricism, empiricist philosophy |