Curated category
Political philosophy
- TotalitarianismIn the early 1920s, Italian Fascists coined the word totalitarian to describe their own regime. Giovanni Amendola first used the term in 1923 to define a…
- Freedom of speechIn the late 6th or early 5th century BC, ancient Athenian democracy introduced a principle that allowed citizens to speak freely within their assemblies.
- Political philosophyThe Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle discussed the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of government. Political philosophy is the study of…
- RepublicanismIn the 6th century BCE, Lucius Junius Brutus and Collatinus expelled the kings from Rome to establish a system they called res publica.
- SecularismIn 1851, a British writer named George Holyoake stood before a crowd in London and spoke the word secularism for the first time.
- Social democracyIn 1869, the Social Democratic Workers' Party of Germany became the first social democratic party established in Europe.
- WhiggismThe word Whiggism emerged in the 1680s as a label for a political faction born from the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Lord Shaftesbury formalized these ideas…
- Dignitas (Roman concept)The Latin word dignitas appears in ancient texts without a direct English equivalent. Translators often choose dignity, prestige, or charisma to capture its…
- Redistribution of income and wealthIn ancient times, the pharaoh or dictator held both the power and right to decide who paid taxes and who received special treatment.
- Divine right of kingsIn the year 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket died after being murdered by knights loyal to King Henry II of England. This violent event marked a turning point…
- ImperiumThe Latin verb imperare means to command. Ancient Roman citizens used this word to describe absolute or kingly power. Early usage reflected total control…