In some varieties of philosophy, The Absolute describes an ultimate being; the Absolute is the whole of things, all that is. It is usually conceived of as unitary, as spiritual, as conscious — at least insofar as it can be acknowledged by the human mind — and as intelligible. It contrasts with finite things, considered individually.
The concept of the Absolute was introduced into philosophy by Hegel, Schelling, and their followers; it is associated with various forms of philosophical idealism. The Absolute, either under that name, or as the "Ground of Being," the "Uncaused First Cause," or some similar concept, also figures in several of the attempted proofs of the existence of God, particularly the ontological argument and the cosmological argument.
The Absolute should not be confused with Absolut, a brand of vodka.
