The spelling of the word "absolute law" is determined by its phonetic transcription, which is: /ˈæb.sə.luːt lɔː/. The first syllable, "ab," is pronounced with a short a sound, followed by the "s" sound. The second syllable, "so," is pronounced with a long u sound, and the final syllable, "lu̐," is pronounced with a long o sound, followed by an English "r" sound. The word "absolute" means complete or total, while "law" refers to a set of rules or principles. Together, "absolute law" implies an unquestionable set of guidelines.
Absolute law refers to a set of governing principles, rules, or regulations that are considered to be universally applicable and unchangeable in their nature. It is a concept rooted in the idea that there are certain fundamental principles that should govern the behavior and actions of individuals, irrespective of personal beliefs, cultural differences, or societal norms. This term is often associated with the concept of natural law, which posits that there are inherent ethical and moral principles that transcend human-made laws.
Absolute law is characterized by its objective and immutable nature, implying that it is not subject to reinterpretation, modification, or repeal by any authority. It stands as a constant and eternal truth, considered to be independent of human preferences or particular circumstances. It seeks to establish a universal and unalterable standard of justice and morality that should be applied in all situations and across all societies.
Typically grounded in ethical and moral principles, absolute law is often seen as an ideal to strive for when crafting legal systems and regulations. Although absolute law might vary in its interpretation and application depending on the jurisdiction, it aims to provide a framework for the fair and just governance of human conduct. By establishing an objective set of rules and principles, absolute law strives to ensure consistency, equity, and stability by transcending subjective influences and personal biases.
The word "absolute" comes from the Latin word "absolutus", which is the past participle of the verb "absolvere", meaning "to set free, to release, to loosen". It is derived from the prefix "ab-" meaning "away" and "solvere" meaning "to loosen, to dissolve".
The word "law" comes from the Old English word "lagu", which originally meant "something laid down or fixed". It is also related to the Old Norse word "log", which means "law" or "judgment". Both "lagu" and "log" ultimately derive from the Proto-Germanic word "lagą".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "absolute law" combines the Latin word "absolutus" meaning "set free" or "loosen" with the Old English word "lagu" meaning "something laid down" or "fixed".