Illiberality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
illiberality
[ษชหlษชbษหrรฆlษti ]
Definition
lack of freedom
Illiberality refers to the quality of being illiberal, which is the opposite of being open-minded or tolerant. It often describes an attitude that restricts ideas, opinions, or behaviors that do not conform to one's own beliefs. This mindset can manifest in political, social, or cultural contexts, often resulting in discrimination or censorship.
Synonyms
bigotry, intolerance, narrow-mindedness, prejudice.
Examples of usage
- The illiberality of certain movements stifles progress.
- Her illiberality made it difficult to engage in constructive dialogue.
- Illiberality is often a barrier to social change.
- There's a growing concern about the illiberality in modern politics.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss illiberality in the context of free will, arguing that such a mindset limits personal growth and understanding.
- In ethical discussions, illiberality is seen as a barrier to moral progress, as open-mindedness is essential for empathy and cooperation.
- Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates emphasized the importance of dialogue, which is often hindered by illiberality.
Psychology
- Research indicates that individuals with illiberal tendencies may struggle with cognitive flexibility, resisting new ideas and perspectives.
- Illiberal attitudes can lead to social conflict, as they often involve intolerance for differing beliefs or lifestyles.
- Psychologists suggest that fostering openness can counteract illiberalism, promoting healthier interpersonal relationships.
Politics
- In political discourse, illiberality can manifest as authoritarianism, where leaders impose strict rules and suppress dissent.
- Historically, movements emphasizing illiberality often oppose civil liberties and advocate for dogmatic ideologies.
- Countries with illiberal policies can face international criticism for violating human rights and restricting freedom of expression.
Literature
- Classic literature often portrays illiberality as a flaw in characters, highlighting the importance of growth and self-awareness.
- Writers such as George Orwell tackled themes of illiberality in their work, warning against dogma and closed-mindedness.
- Satirical works frequently criticize societal illiberality, encouraging readers to reflect on their values and openness.
Origin of 'illiberality'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'illiberalis,' meaning 'mean' or 'ungenerous.'
- It is formed by combining 'ill-' meaning 'not' with 'liberalis,' which is related to generosity and openness.
- Its use in English dates back to the early 17th century, highlighting its historical significance in discussions about freedom and generosity.
The term 'illiberality' originates from the Latin 'illiberalis', which combines 'in-' meaning 'not', and 'liberalis', meaning 'generous' or 'pertaining to free people'. Ancient Roman usage referred not just to economic terms but also to cultural attitudes that restricted access to knowledge or resources. Over time, the word evolved to denote a broader sense of closed-mindedness or lack of tolerance regarding differing opinions and lifestyles. In the context of Enlightenment thought, illiberality was often criticized as an impediment to individual rights and freedoms. The notion became increasingly relevant as societies navigated the tensions between tradition and progress, highlighting the ongoing struggle against dogmatism and the importance of liberal values.