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Definition:
As a general concept in western philosophy, "The Absolute" refers to something
solitary, uniquely unconditioned, completely independent, and all-encompassing which
comprises all of reality. Although the term is normally only found among idealists
who came after Kant, it is anticipated in the writings of Spinoza who argued that
all of reality is but a single substance, Deus sive Natura (God or Nature).
This is very similar to the Hindu concept of Brahman-Atman.
In western theistic philosophy, the term absolute is used in a couple of different ways. Sometimes, it means simply something which is self-sufficient and independent, as opposed to relative. Other times, it refers to a First Cause of reality, thought identical with God.
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Related Resources:
What is Metaphysics?
In Western philosophy, metaphysics has become the study of the fundamental nature of all reality - what is it, why is it, and how are we to understand it. Some only regard metaphysics as the study of "higher" reality or the "invisible" nature behind everything, but that isn't actually true. It is, instead, the study of all of reality, visible and invisible.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
