absolutism
AB-suh-loo-tiz-um
/ˈæb.sə.luː.tɪ.zəm/
The acceptance of or belief in absolute principles in political, philosophical, ethical, or theological matters.
Rejects nuances, gray areas, and exceptions; in governance, it denotes unlimited, unrestrained monarchical or state power.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'absolvere' (to detach or loosen). In political thought, an 'absolute' ruler was considered 'loosed' or 'freed' from legal restrictions and constitutional limits, answerable only to God.
Word relationships
- dogmatism: Focuses on strict adherence to official tenets rather than philosophical belief in absolute truths.
- totalitarianism: Refers to total state control over public and private life.
- relativism: The doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture or context.
- pluralism: A system where two or more states, groups, or principles coexist.
Commonly confused with
- totalitarianism: Absolutism is a philosophy/system of unchecked sovereign authority or absolute rules; totalitarianism is total state control over all aspects of society.
Word family
- absolutist (noun): A person who holds absolute principles.
- absolute (adjective): Not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
Collocations
- moral absolutism
- political absolutism
- rise of absolutism
Example sentences
- "The reign of Louis XIV of France is considered the peak of European political absolutism." Political history
- "Moral absolutism holds that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of context." Ethics debate
Memory hook
ABSOLUTISM means ABSOLUTE control with ZERO exceptions. No exceptions, no compromises.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'authoritarianism', which focuses on power structure rather than belief in absolute principles.
Fun facts
- King Louis XIV encapsulated political absolutism in his famous declaration: 'L'État, c'est moi' ('I am the state').
Related words
Explore more words
dogmatic, dogmatism, principled, nihilism, determinism, propriety
Also appears in
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