Autocracy (?)
Super-power
11-03-2005, 03:30
Today, autocracy defines any government by an individual with near unlimited political power over everybody else.
How can this be? The Greek roots from which autocracy come from are autos-, self, and kratia, rule [of].
So shouldn't autocracy mean self-rule, as in a political system in which the individual has maximum power to live and have control over his or her own life?
Heiligkeit
11-03-2005, 03:31
It can have two meanings apparently. Both seem very correct.
CelebrityFrogs
11-03-2005, 03:35
Today, autocracy defines any government by an individual with near unlimited political power over everybody else.
How can this be? The Greek roots from which autocracy come from are autos-, self, and kratia, rule [of].
So shouldn't autocracy mean self-rule, as in a political system in which the individual has maximum power to live and have control over his or her own life?
Is this an etymology question? I don't think the words origins and it's current usage are particularly important.
I'm sure the kind of "self-rule" you espouse has a name too!
Super-power
11-03-2005, 03:43
Is this an etymology question?
Yes it is
Heiligkeit
11-03-2005, 03:44
Is this an etymology question? I don't think the words origins and it's current usage are particularly important.
I'm sure the kind of "self-rule" you espouse has a name too!
Roots are always important.
Super-power
11-03-2005, 03:47
Roots are always important.
Yes - take Latin's word for the word left: sinister (still spelled that way today). Back then, people considered that if you were left-handed and the like, it was a sign of the Devil
Unfortunatly, the old roots of our words have de-evolved to the point that they are irrelevant to today's practical uses.
Anarchic Conceptions
11-03-2005, 03:56
I'm sure the kind of "self-rule" you espouse has a name too!
It does, autonomy.
Anarchic Conceptions
11-03-2005, 03:59
Today, autocracy defines any government by an individual with near unlimited political power over everybody else.
How can this be? The Greek roots from which autocracy come from are autos-, self, and kratia, rule [of].
Mayb you should find an ancient greek scholar. Perhaps the context is wrong, as in it means rule, but in a wider sense.
I dunno though.
Nonconformitism
11-03-2005, 04:06
roots are just a general outline of what a word means, like what is a water-horse? a hippo, not exact is it
Gnostikos
11-03-2005, 05:30
I believe what is meant by autocracy is similar to monocracy, as in government by one, not of one.
roots are just a general outline of what a word means, like what is a water-horse? a hippo, not exact is it
Yes, hippopotamus is a Latin alteration of hippos potamios, "riverine horse". But it really isn't all that inaccurate if you think about it.