de·ter·min·ism (d -tûr m -nz m)n. The philosophical doctrine that every state of affairs, including every human event, act, and decision is the inevitable consequence of antecedent states of affairs. de·ter min·ist n.de·ter min·istic adj.de·ter min·isti·cal·ly adv. |
determinism [dɪˈtɜːmɪˌnɪzəm]
n
1. (Philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that all events including human actions and choices are fully determined by preceding events and states of affairs, and so that freedom of choice is illusory Also called necessitarianism Compare free will [1b]
2. (Philosophy) the scientific doctrine that all occurrences in nature take place in accordance with natural laws
3. (Physics / General Physics) the principle in classical mechanics that the values of dynamic variables of a system and of the forces acting on the system at a given time, completely determine the values of the variables at any later time
determinist n & adj
deterministic adj
determinism
1. the doctrine that all f acts and events result from the operation of natural laws.
2. the doctrine that all events, including human choices and decisions, are necessarily determined by motives, which are regarded as external forces acting on the will. Also called predeterminism. Cf. fatalism. — determinist, n. — deterministic, adj.
See also: Philosophy
2. the doctrine that all events, including human choices and decisions, are necessarily determined by motives, which are regarded as external forces acting on the will. Also called predeterminism. Cf. fatalism. — determinist, n. — deterministic, adj.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | determinism - (philosophy) a philosophical theory holding that all events are inevitable consequences of antecedent sufficient causes; often understood as denying the possibility of free will fatalism - a philosophical doctrine holding that all events are predetermined in advance for all time and human beings are powerless to change them philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory - a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy |
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