absolutism

totalitarian rule / moral objectivity / autocracy

Noun

This term describes a state of total authority or fixed truth, carrying a connotation of rigidity and lack of compromise. In political contexts, it evokes images of centralized power and the absence of constitutional checks, often associated with historical monarchies. In philosophical or ethical contexts, it refers to a binary view of morality where rules are immutable. This contrasts with relativism, as it posits that truth is not dependent on culture or individual perspective but is an objective constant.

Meanings

Noun

"The era of royal absolutism in France reached its peak under Louis XIV."

Noun

The philosophical belief that there are universal, objective, and unchanging truths or moral standards that apply to all people regardless of context.

"Moral absolutism argues that certain actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of the consequences."

Last Updated: June 14, 2026•Report an Error