Absolutizing

Absolutizing is the act or tendency to treat something as absolute: unconditional, universal, and not subject to exceptions or revision. The term is used in philosophy, theology, and social sciences to describe a cognitive or rhetorical move that universalizes a statement, value, or principle beyond warranted context. The verb absolutize is formed from Latin absolutus, meaning made whole or complete.

In ethics, it appears as moral absolutism: rules deemed universally valid in all situations. In politics, groups may absolutize sovereignty or identity, presenting them as universally applicable. In religion, doctrinal absolutism treats commands or truths as non-negotiable. In social analysis, critics warn against absolutizing cultural or scientific claims, noting that norms are contingent and context-dependent.

Mechanisms include binary thinking, appeal to authority, selective use of evidence, or metaphorical language that frames complex issues in monochrome terms. Consequences can include reduced tolerance for nuance, polarized debate, justification of dogmatic or coercive action, and resistance to revision in light of new information.

Critics argue that while some domains may require stable, universal commitments, indiscriminate absolutizing tends to obscure complexity and suppress critical inquiry. Proponents may maintain that certain core norms (for example, basic human rights) function as universals, though many acknowledge the need to balance universality with context.

Related concepts include moral absolutism, epistemic absolutism, universalism, and absolutist rhetoric.