释义 |
de·ter·mi·nism \-mə̇ˌnizəm\ noun (-s) Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary determine + -ism 1. a. : the doctrine that all acts of the will result from causes which determine them either in such a manner that man has no alternative modes of action or that the will is still free in the sense of being uncompelled — called also ethical determinism; compare indeterminism b. : the theory that all occurrences in nature are determined by antecedent causes or take place in accordance with natural laws — called also cosmological determinism c. : a belief in predestination — called also theological determinism; compare fatalism 2. : a theory that regards a certain order of phenomena (as economic, geographical, or social factors) as the primary or determining causes for cultural change, social evolution, or the appearance of certain culture traits — compare economic interpretation of history 3. : the quality or state of being determined: a. : a natural process wherein all events are determined b. : the determination of mental processes |