Agapism
/əˈɡæpɪzəm/noun
The philosophical doctrine that love, especially creative or self-sacrificing love, is a fundamental force in the development of the universe.
Did you know?American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce used agapism as a cosmic alternative to both strict determinism and pure chance, arguing that evolutionary growth can be driven by generous love.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀγάπη (agápē)
“Love, affection, or charitable goodwill”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀγαπάω (agapaō)
“To love, value, or treat with affection”
Late Antiquity
Greek
ἀγάπη
“A term used in Christian Greek for divine or self-giving love”
19th Century
English
agapism
“A philosophical doctrine centered on love as a formative principle”
1893–1898
English
agapism
“Charles Sanders Peirce’s theory that evolutionary development may be guided by creative love”
Modern English
English
agapism
“The belief that love is a fundamental creative or evolutionary force”