Logical Positivism in Relation to Family Systems Theory

Name of Theory

Logical Positivism

Synonyms

Empiricism; Logical empiricism; Verification; Verificationism

Introduction

Logical positivism emerged in the 1920s as a philosophical framework for understanding the nature and source of knowledge. Among other tenets, logical positivism emphasized the importance of verification*. Verificationism* essentially theorized that any problem worth solving could be effectively answered using structures of logic and empiricism*. Logical positivism drew much controversy for this dependence on observable evidence to establish legitimate knowledge (Uebel 2016).

Prominent Associated Figures

Logical positivism is primarily associated with the Vienna Circle, a group of philosophers who convened weekly between 1924 and 1936 to discuss “problems in the philosophy of science” (Uebel 2016). The academic group was led by Moritz Schlick, chair of the Department of Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences at University of Vienna. Other prominent members include...