determinism

Determinism is the metaphysical view that all events within the universe (or multiverse) 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 eternalism, determinism focuses on particular events rather than the future as a concept. Determinism is often contrasted with free will, although some philosophers argue that the two are compatible. The antonym of determinism is indeterminism, the view that events are not deterministically caused.

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Determinism is the philosophical idea that everything that happens in the universe can only happen in exactly one way—that events are ultimately predetermined rather than open to multiple possibilities. It matters because it raises fundamental questions about whether we have free will and genuine choice, though some philosophers argue that determinism and free will might actually be compatible with each other.

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Commons category: Determinism

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37 sections

Contents

Varieties
Causal
{{Anchor|Nomological determinism}}Nomological
Necessitarianism
Predeterminism
Biological
Fatalism
Theological
Adequate
Determined probability
Many-worlds interpretation
Philosophical varieties
Nature/nurture controversy
Determinism and prediction
Structural
With free will
With the soul
With ethics and morality
History
Western tradition
Newtonian mechanics
Eastern tradition
Ājīvika
Buddhism
Modern scientific perspective
Generative processes
Compatibility with the existence of science
Mathematical models
Quantum and classical mechanics
Classical theories
Standard quantum mechanics
Other interpretations
References
Notes
Bibliography
Further reading
External links

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; compatibilism and incompatibilism represent the opposing sides of this debate.