Absoluter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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absoluter
[รฆbหsษหl.jส.tษr ]
Definition
philosophical concept
An 'absoluter' is someone who adheres to absolute principles or doctrines, particularly in the realm of philosophy or politics. This term often refers to individuals who hold unwavering beliefs or views, irrespective of context or circumstance. It implies a strict adherence to dogma, often leading to a binary understanding of complex subjects. The use of 'absoluter' can also suggest a departure from relativism, where morality and truth are regarded as universal and unchanging.
Synonyms
dogmatist, fundamentalist, purist.
Examples of usage
- He is considered an absoluter in his views on morality.
- Many philosophers criticize absoluters for their rigid beliefs.
- An absoluter can struggle to accept differing perspectives.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Political Theory
- In politics, absoluter refers to an absolute ruler or monarchy where the sovereign has unrestricted power over the state.
- Historically, figures like Louis XIV of France are seen as exemplifying this concept, centralizing power without checks from other branches.
- The implications of absolute power have been debated, often suggesting that such authority can lead to tyranny if not balanced by other governing bodies.
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, it relates to the idea of absolute truths that exist independently of perception or opinion.
- Kant's philosophy often challenged the concept of absolutes, suggesting that human understanding is always limited and shaped by experience.
- The debate around absolutes versus relativism has influenced numerous fields, from ethics to science.
Pop Culture
- The term appears in various forms of media, often depicting characters or entities with overwhelming power, like in fictional stories or films.
- In literature, the archetype of an absolute ruler is frequently explored, representing themes of power and responsibility.
- Pop music has also harnessed the concept, often metaphorically expressing the feeling of having total control in relationships.
Psychology
- In psychology, the absoluter viewpoint can relate to cognitive biases where individuals might see things in black and white, ignoring complexities.
- This principle often applies to leadership styles, where figures who adopt an absoluter approach may struggle with feedback or collaboration.
- Understanding the psychological impact of absolute authority can help in navigating power dynamics in workplaces and communities.
Origin of 'absoluter'
Main points about word origin
- The term derives from Latin 'absolutus', meaning 'set free, complete', suggesting something that is whole and unrestricted.
- In the 17th century, the word began to acquire its current connotation of total authority in European political discourse.
- It is often used in philosophical discussions to indicate an entity that is not limited by anything else.
The term 'absoluter' derives from the Latin word 'absolutus,' meaning 'freed,' 'completed,' or 'unrestricted.' In philosophical contexts, it evolved to describe individuals who hold absolute truths or principles. The concept of absolutism can be traced back to early modern philosophy, where thinkers like Renรฉ Descartes and Baruch Spinoza discussed notions of certainty and universal truths. With the rise of Enlightenment thought, absolutism also became associated with political theories advocating for absolute sovereignty. Over time, the usage of 'absoluter' extended beyond politics into realms of ethics and epistemology, indicating a firm commitment to established doctrines, highlighting an ongoing tension between absolute and relative perspectives in various disciplines.