singularist

A singularist is a person who subscribes to or advocates a position described as singularism. The core idea of singularism is the emphasis on single, concrete entities, instances, or referents rather than abstractions, classes, or universal generalizations. The term is not widely standardized and its exact meaning can vary across disciplines, making it primarily a context-dependent label.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from the Latin singularis, meaning “one of a kind,” combined with the agent noun suffix -ist. As a result, a singularist is typically understood as someone who privileges particular beings or specific cases over generalized theories or abstract categories. The label can be applied in philosophy, linguistics, and other fields where debates about language, reference, or ontology hinge on the status of singular items.

In philosophy and semantics: A singularist may argue that talk of language, knowledge, or reality is anchored in referring to distinct, concrete entities. In the philosophy of language, this can involve a focus on the referents of proper names and definite descriptions and an emphasis on contextually anchored particular objects rather than abstract universal terms. In ontology, singularists might prioritize particulars as fundamental, with universals viewed as predicates of these items rather than independent foundations.

Reception and usage: Singularism is a niche position and is often defined or clarified by authors within a specific argument or project. Critics typically contend that some level of abstraction or generalization is necessary for explanatory power and theoretical development.

See also: singular noun, proper name, definite description, particularism, universalism.