absolutism
AB-suh-loo-tiz-um
/ˈæbsəluːtɪzəm/
The acceptance of or belief in absolute principles in ethical, political, or philosophical matters.
Asserts that certain moral rules apply universally without exception, regardless of context or consequences.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'absolutus' (loosened from limitations or unconditional), absolutism entered English political and ethical theory to describe unyielding, context-independent standards of moral truth or political rule.
Word relationships
- universalism: Universalism asserts moral principles apply to everyone, while moral absolutism adds that these rules have zero exceptions.
- relativism: Relativism holds that moral standards vary by culture, historical era, or context.
Commonly confused with
- dogmatism: Dogmatism is stubborn insistence on unproven opinions, whereas moral absolutism is a formal ethical position on universal moral facts.
Word family
- absolutist (noun): A person who holds absolute principles
- absolutist (adjective): Relating to or supporting absolutism
Collocations
- moral absolutism
- ethical absolutism
- adhere to absolutism
Example sentences
- "Moral absolutism asserts that actions like torture or perjury are intrinsically wrong in every conceivable circumstance." Ethics monograph
- "The debate between moral absolutism and pragmatic compromise lies at the heart of modern constitutional law." Political ethics debate
Memory hook
ABSOLUTE = fixed without exception; ABSOLUTISM = unbending moral principles. No exceptions, no context bending.
When not to use
In political science, it refers to autocracy or absolute monarchy; clarify context when discussing ethics.
Fun facts
- Immanuel Kant was an uncompromising moral absolutist regarding truthfulness, arguing that one must not lie even to a murderer asking for a friend's location.
Related words
Explore more words
dogmatic, dogmatism, principled, nihilism, determinism, propriety
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