Determinism

Determinism is the <a href="/facts/Metaphysics/fSFt6SHe">metaphysical</a> view that all events within the <a href="/facts/Universe/XbfpnDmM">universe</a> (or <a href="/facts/Multiverse/GUCDxvPg">multiverse</a>) can occur only in one possible way. Deterministic theories throughout the history of philosophy have developed from diverse and sometimes overlapping motives and considerations. Like <a href="/facts/Eternalism_(philosophy_of_time)/eoqPNMA5">eternalism</a>, determinism focuses on particular events rather than the future as a concept. Determinism is often contrasted with <a href="/facts/Free_will/LwkImELQ">free will</a>, although some philosophers claim that the two are <a href="/facts/Compatibilism/70oKrKBc">compatible</a>. A more extreme <a href="/facts/Antonym/1TruqPtl">antonym</a> of determinism is <a href="/facts/Indeterminism/Sn1dgf6r">indeterminism</a>, or the view that events are not deterministically caused but rather occur due to random chance.
Historically, debates about determinism have involved many philosophical positions and given rise to multiple varieties or interpretations of determinism. One topic of debate concerns the scope of determined systems. Some philosophers have maintained that the entire universe is a single determinate system, while others identify more limited determinate systems. Another common debate topic is whether determinism and free will can coexist; <a href="/facts/Compatibilism/70oKrKBc">compatibilism</a> and <a href="/facts/Incompatibilism/g51vFRMU">incompatibilism</a> represent the opposing sides of this debate.
Determinism should not be confused with the <a href="/facts/Self-determination_theory/UScVV5KR">self-determination</a> of human actions by reasons, motives, and desires. Determinism is about interactions which affect cognitive processes in people's lives. It is about the cause and the result of what people have done. Cause and result are always bound together in cognitive processes. It assumes that if an observer has sufficient information about an object or human being, then such an observer might be able to predict every consequent move of that object or human being. Determinism rarely requires that perfect <a href="/facts/Prediction/0w4XXB33">prediction</a> be practically possible.

Determinism open-in-new

Determinism