ABSOLUTE
From Philosopedia
ABSOLUTE, THE
In its broadest meaning, the absolute denotes a reality postulated in metaphysics (not proved to exist) that is not related to other realities or definable in terms of them: the ultimate, all-embracing, all-unifying reality. The assumption does not imply that it is a personality or is the cause (or creator) of the realities of which we have experience. But especially in Hegel’s system, it is Mind or Spirit and excludes the existence of material things.
Absolutism in philosophy is the opposite of relativism. It means unlimited, unconditioned, or free of any relation; perfect, complete, or total; permanent, inherent, or ultimate; independent, or valid without reference to a perceiving subject. In epistemology, absolute means certain or indubitable as opposed to probable or hypothetical.
Theologically, it is synonymous with, or characteristic of, God. Philosophically, it may be considered as the unknowable, the thing-in-itself; as the ultimate nonrelative that is the basis of all relation; as the ultimate, all-comprehensive principle in which all differences and distinctions are merged. In orthography, a “q” absolutely must be followed by a “u.”
Relativists, however, point out that even in spelling there are exceptions to absolute rules; e.g., faqir, qaid, qanat, qat, qindar, qindarka, qintar, qoph, tranq, Qantas Airlines.
