purism

Purism is a broad term used to describe a commitment to purity or preservation of a particular essence in language, art, culture, or technology. The sense of purity can refer to form, terminology, or identity, and purist ideas have appeared in diverse domains, sometimes overlapping or competing with liberal or inclusive aims.

Purism, an early 20th-century Parisian art movement, emerged after World War I. Led by Amédée Ozenfant and Le Corbusier, it advocated clear lines, geometric simplification, and a restrained palette, seeking to express essential reality rather than ornament. While rooted in Cubism, Purism rejected fragmentation and sentiment, favoring unified, machine-age forms. It influenced painting, sculpture, architecture, and design, but remained relatively marginal and declined by the mid-1920s.

Linguistic purism refers to attempts to minimize foreign influence on a language by preferring native coinages, calques, or revived classical terms. It has appeared in many languages and contexts, often tied to national or cultural projects. Critics argue that purism can impede natural change and practical communication.

Cultural or political purism describes efforts to preserve a perceived pure form of culture, race, religion, or nation. It is associated with nationalist or exclusionary ideologies and policy proposals. Proponents claim authenticity, while opponents warn of discrimination, intolerance, and the suppression of minority voices.

Purism is also the name of a technology company focused on privacy-friendly hardware and software. Founded in the 2010s, Purism produces laptops and the Librem line, runs the PureOS operating system, and emphasizes open-source software, user control, and security features such as hardware kill switches. It remains part of debates over digital sovereignty.