antinomy
UK[ænˈtɪnəmi]US[ænˈtɪnəmi]
n
A contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are in themselves reasonable; a paradox.
n
A conflict or opposition, especially between two laws or authorities.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
nomy
anti
against
nomy
law
Etymology
The term 'antinomy' is a direct borrowing from Latin antinomia, which itself originates from the Greek antinomia, meaning "a contradiction in the law". It is formed from anti- ("against") and nomos ("law"). In its original legal context, it described a situation where two laws conflicted. This concrete legal sense was later adopted into philosophy, most notably by Immanuel Kant, to describe a fundamental and seemingly irresolvable contradiction between two valid principles or conclusions of reason. Thus, the word's journey reflects an evolution from a specific conflict between statutes to an abstract, logical paradox.
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + nomy (law)
- anti: From Greek, meaning "against, opposite".
- nomy: From Greek nomos, meaning "law, custom".
Examples
The philosopher explored the antinomy between free will and determinism.
The court faced an antinomy where two constitutional principles appeared to contradict each other.
His argument presented a clear antinomy, leaving the debate at an impasse.