individualism etymology

Etymology

• Latin: individuum ("an individual thing, single being")
• New Latin: individualismus ("the doctrine of individualism")

Meaning

Individualism is a social and political philosophy that emphasizes the inherent worth and autonomy of the individual, their rights and freedoms, and their responsibility for their welfare.

Origin

The term "individualism" was first used in the 19th century to describe a social philosophy that emphasized the value of individuality, freedom, and personal responsibility. It was originally used to oppose the collectivist ideologies of the time, such as socialism and communism, which emphasized the importance of the group over the individual.

Key Ideas

• The individual is the basic unit of society.
• Individuals have certain inalienable rights and freedoms.
• Individuals are responsible for their own actions and decisions.
• The government should protect individual rights and promote the well-being of all individuals.

Types of Individualism

• Classical individualism: Emphasizes the importance of individual liberty and free markets, often in opposition to state intervention.
• Liberal individualism: Emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedoms, including social and economic equality.
• Romantic individualism: Emphasizes the importance of individual self-expression and creativity.
• Libertarian individualism: Emphasizes the importance of absolute individual freedom, often in opposition to all forms of government or social regulation.

Criticism

Critics of individualism argue that it can lead to selfishness, inequality, and social isolation. They also argue that it ignores the importance of social institutions and collective action in promoting individual well-being.

individualism relate terms

• individual

  Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

• divide

  Etymology Latin dividere Proto Indo European dey meaning to distribute divide

• individualist

  Etymology Individualist comes from the Latin individuum meaning indivisible unit

• individual

  Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

• individualism

  Etymology Latin individuum an individual thing single being New Latin individuali

• rugged

  Etymology The word rugged originated from the Old Norse word hruggr meaning shaggy

• laissez faire

  Etymology The term laissez faire is a French expression that means let do or let alo

• speciality

  Etymology Special adjective Middle English from Old French especial from Latin s

• belief

  Etymology Old English belief Proto West Germanic bilaiba Proto Germanic bilaiban Proto

• doctrine

  Etymology The word doctrine originates from the Latin word doctrina which means tea

• philosophy

  Etymology The word philosophy is derived from the Greek words philo φίλο meani

• trait

  Trait Etymology Early 19th century from French trait a stroke line feature figur

• singularity

  Etymology The word singularity is derived from the Latin word singularis which mean

• specialty

  Etymology The word specialty derives from the Latin word specialis which means par