antinomy

/æn'tinəmi/
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Definition

Noun: A fundamental and seemingly unresolvable contradiction or conflict between two principles, laws, or conclusions that appear equally valid, reasonable, or necessary when considered independently.

Usage

"Antinomy" is a formal, academic term used primarily in philosophy, law, and critical theory. It describes a situation where two established beliefs or logical statements are both sound yet mutually exclusive, creating a logical impasse. It implies a deeper conflict within a system of thought.

Examples
  • In Kantian philosophy, an antinomy arises when pure reason attempts to grasp the nature of the universe as a whole, leading to contradictory but equally defensible conclusions.
  • The legal case presented an antinomy between the right to free speech and the right to protection from harm.
  • The debate highlighted a core antinomy in the political theory: the irreconcilable demands of absolute liberty and absolute equality.
Advanced Usage
  • "To resolve an antinomy": To find a way to overcome or explain the contradiction, often by moving to a higher level of analysis or by redefining the terms of the conflict.
    • The philosopher sought to resolve the antinomy by introducing the concept of practical reason.
  • "Constitutive antinomy": An inherent, necessary contradiction that is fundamental to the structure of a concept or system.
    • Some theorists argue that modernity is defined by a constitutive antinomy between rationalization and myth.
Variants and Related Words
  • Antinomic (adj): Characterized by or involving antinomy.
    • The relationship between the two concepts is fundamentally antinomic.
  • Antinomian (adj/n): Historically, relating to the belief that faith alone, not moral law, is necessary for salvation. (Note: This is a distinct, though etymologically related, theological term).
Synonyms
  • Paradox
  • Contradiction
  • Inconsistency
  • Conflict
  • Dilemma (though a dilemma is more about a difficult choice between two options, while an antinomy is about logical incompatibility)
Antonyms
  • Consistency
  • Harmony
  • Compatibility
  • Agreement
Noun
  1. a contradiction between two statements that seem equally reasonable

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