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absolute |
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absolute, in philosophy, the opposite of relative. The term has acquired numerous widely variant connotations in different philosophical systems. 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. As a substantive, the absolute is the ultimate basis of reality, the principle underlying the universe. Theologically, it is synonymous with, or characteristic of, God. Philosophically, it may be considered as the unknowable, the thing-in-itself; as that ultimate nonrelative that is the basis of all relation; as the ultimate, all-comprehensive principle in which all differences and distinctions are merged. The concept of the absolute was present in Greek philosophy. In modern times, both realists and idealists have used the term, but it is, perhaps, most intimately connected with the idealism of G. W. Hegel Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich (gā`ôrkh vĭl`hĕlm frē`drĭkh hā`gəl) ..... Click the link for more information. . absoluteIn programming, a mathematical function that always returns a positive number. For example, ABS(25-100) yields 75, not -75. absolute 1. Physics a. (of a pressure measurement) not relative to atmospheric pressure b. denoting absolute or thermodynamic temperature 2. Maths a. (of a constant) never changing in value b. (of an inequality) unconditional c. (of a term) not containing a variable 3. Law (of a court order or decree) coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final 4. Law (of a title to property, etc.) not subject to any encumbrance or condition absolute [‚ab·sə′lüt] (meteorology) Referring to the highest or lowest recorded value of a meteorological element, whether at a single station or over an area, during a given period. Abbreviated abs. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Well, it may sound an odd thing to say, but what impressed me most of all was the absolute innocence of the place. Here Madame de la Rocheaimard whiled away the close of a varied and troubled life; if not in absolute peace, still not in absolute misery, while her grand-daughter grew into young womanhood, a miracle of goodness and pious devotion to her sole surviving parent. |
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