Absolutism: meaning, definitions and examples
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absolutism
[ หรฆb.sษ.luห.tษช.zษm ]
political theory
Absolutism is a political doctrine and practice where a single authority, often a monarch, has absolute power over the state and government. In this system, the ruler's power is not constrained by laws, a constitution, or other governmental bodies. Absolutism prevailed in various forms during the early modern period, with notable examples in France under Louis XIV. The ideology often involves the centralization of power and may also be associated with divine right, where the monarch's authority is justified by divine sanction.
Synonyms
autocracy, despotism, dictatorship
Examples of usage
- Louis XIV is a notable example of absolutism in France.
- Many consider the reign of Peter the Great to exemplify Russian absolutism.
- Absolutism was commonly practiced in Europe before the Enlightenment.
Translations
Translations of the word "absolutism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น absolutismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฐเฅเคฃเคคเคพเคตเคพเคฆ
๐ฉ๐ช Absolutismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ absolutisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะฑัะพะปััะธะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ absolutyzm
๐ฏ๐ต ็ตถๅฏพไธป็พฉ
๐ซ๐ท absolutisme
๐ช๐ธ absolutismo
๐น๐ท mutlakiyet
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ๋์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุงุณุชุจุฏุงุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ absolutismus
๐ธ๐ฐ absolutizmus
๐จ๐ณ ็ปๅฏนไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ absolutizem
๐ฎ๐ธ absolรบtismi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะฑัะพะปััะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแกแแแฃแขแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ absolutizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ absolutismo
Word origin
The term 'absolutism' is derived from the Latin word 'absolutus,' which means 'set free' or 'loosened.' The idea began to take shape during the late Middle Ages, evolving as monarchs sought more centralized power. The peak of absolutism in Europe occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in countries like France and Russia. Philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes supported the idea of absolute sovereignty, arguing that a powerful, centralized authority was necessary to maintain peace and prevent civil war. The decline of absolutism was spurred by enlightenment ideas advocating for democratic governance, which culminated in revolutions like the French Revolution. This historical context is vital to understanding how absolutism was both challenged and reinforced throughout the ages.