determinism — The philosophical theory that all events, including human actions and choices, are determined by previously existing causes and could not have happened otherwise.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The philosophical theory that all events, including human actions and choices, are determined by previously existing causes and could not have happened otherwise.
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- My cat believes in determinism—she's convinced that knocking cups off the table was always her destiny.
- According to strict determinism, even the decision to read this sentence was predetermined billions of years ago.
- He blamed determinism for eating the whole pizza, saying 'I had no choice—it was fate!'
determinism
NOUN[/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪzəm/]
The philosophical theory that all events, including human actions and choices, are determined by previously existing causes and could not have happened otherwise.
The philosopher argues that determinism means every choice was already set in motion long ago.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'determinare' meaning 'to bound, limit, or fix,' derived from 'terminus' (boundary, end).
Breakdown
de- (completely/intensive) + termin- (boundary, limit) + -ism (doctrine, theory)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat believes in determinism—she's convinced that knocking cups off the table was always her destiny.”
“According to strict determinism, even the decision to read this sentence was predetermined billions of years ago.”
“He blamed determinism for eating the whole pizza, saying 'I had no choice—it was fate!'”
“The debate between determinism and free will remains one of philosophy's biggest unresolved questions.”
📚Related Words
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