cosmism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “cosmism” mean?
A philosophical, cultural, and scientific movement emphasizing humanity's active role in the evolution of the cosmos.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A philosophical, cultural, and scientific movement emphasizing humanity's active role in the evolution of the cosmos.
A system of thought, particularly associated with Russian thinkers like Nikolai Fedorov, that advocates for technological mastery over nature, space colonization, and the pursuit of human immortality and resurrection through scientific means, viewing humanity as an active cosmic force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or grammatical differences. Usage is equally rare in both dialects.
Connotations
In both dialects, it carries connotations of ambitious, sometimes speculative, futuristic thought.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. Slightly more likely to appear in academic writing in history or philosophy departments with relevant specialisms.
Grammar
How to Use “cosmism” in a Sentence
The central tenet of [cosmism] is...[Cosmism] advocates for...A key thinker in [cosmism]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cosmism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cosmist thinker proposed radical ideas.
- His essay had a distinctly cosmist flavour.
American English
- The cosmist perspective influenced early space advocacy.
- She studied cosmist philosophy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in specialised fields like history of philosophy, Russian studies, transhumanist studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in discourse on space colonisation, radical life extension, and speculative futures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cosmism”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cosmism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cosmism”
- Misspelling as 'cosmosism'.
- Confusing it with general interest in space (e.g., astronomy).
- Using it as a synonym for 'cosmopolitanism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While cosmism involves belief in humanity's cosmic destiny, its core is about active human transformation of the cosmos, not merely the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Nikolai Fedorov (1829–1903) is considered a foundational figure, though later thinkers like Konstantin Tsiolkovsky also contributed significantly.
It is a philosophical and cultural movement, often with quasi-religious elements (e.g., themes of resurrection and universal salvation), but it is grounded in scientific and technological means, making it distinct from traditional theistic religions.
Yes, its ideas are frequently discussed in contemporary debates about transhumanism, radical life extension, space colonisation, and humanity's long-term future, acting as a historical precursor to these movements.
A philosophical, cultural, and scientific movement emphasizing humanity's active role in the evolution of the cosmos.
Cosmism is usually academic / technical in register.
Cosmism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒz.mɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːz.mɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think COSMOS + ISM: an 'ism' (philosophy) about humanity's active role in the COSMOS.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMANITY IS THE CONSCIOUS EVOLUTIONARY DRIVER OF THE COSMOS.
Practice
Quiz
Cosmism is most closely associated with which field?