Determinism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฎ
determinism
[dษชหtษหrmษชnษชzษm ]
Definition
philosophy belief
Determinism is the philosophical concept that every event or state of affairs, including every human decision and action, is the outcome of preceding events in accordance with the natural laws. In a deterministic framework, the future is fully determined by the past and the present, implying that everything that happens is inevitable and could be predicted if one had complete knowledge of the present conditions. This idea contrasts with the concept of free will, where individuals have the capacity to make choices independent of any prior state. Determinism raises ethical questions about accountability and moral responsibility, as it challenges the notion that individuals have control over their actions.
Synonyms
causalism, fate, necessitarianism, predestination.
Examples of usage
- The theory of determinism suggests that our choices are influenced by prior experiences.
- In the context of determinism, every event in the universe is caused by previous events.
- Philosophers debate the implications of determinism on free will.
- Scientific determinism posits that, given complete knowledge, future events can be predicted.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Spinoza and Leibniz discussed that everything we do is influenced by past events.
- The idea contrasts with free will, which suggests we can choose our actions independently.
Science
- In physics, determinism suggests that if we know the current state of the universe, we can predict its future.
- This principle is challenged by quantum mechanics, where events can be random and unpredictable.
Literature
- Literary works often explore the concept, questioning if characters are free to make choices or are bound by their circumstances.
- Famous authors like George Orwell and Albert Camus depicted characters grappling with fate versus free will.
Psychology
- Psychologists examine how beliefs in determinism can affect peopleโs motivation and sense of responsibility.
- Studies show that individuals who feel their actions are determined may be less likely to try to change their circumstances.
History
- Determinism influenced 19th-century thinkers during the Industrial Revolution, who believed societal changes were inevitable.
- In the 20th century, existentialists reacted against determinist views, emphasizing individual choice and freedom.
Origin of 'determinism'
The term 'determinism' comes from the Latin verb 'determinare,' meaning 'to set limits, to define.' The concept has its roots in ancient philosophical debates, particularly among the Stoics, who believed in a rational order to the universe. The modern usage began to take shape in the 17th century with thinkers such as Baruch Spinoza and later, in the 18th century, with David Hume, who explored the implications of causality and the predictability of events. The term became more widely used in the 19th century alongside advancements in science, particularly in physics, with figures like Pierre-Simon Laplace proposing that, given the state of the universe at any point in time, future states could be determined. This alignment with scientific rationale has continued to evolve, provoking further discussions in philosophy, particularly related to free will, ethics, and the nature of human consciousness.