indeterminism
C2Formal, academic, technical
Definition
Meaning
The philosophical doctrine that not all events are wholly determined by preceding causes; the belief in the existence of free will, chance, or probability in the universe.
The general state of being undetermined, uncertain, or not definitively fixed; also used in quantum physics to refer to the principle that certain events, like the decay of an atom, are inherently unpredictable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often appears in debates about free will vs. determinism, and in discussions of quantum mechanics. Primarily a theoretical term, not used for everyday uncertainty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and academic in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral philosophical/scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Almost exclusively found in philosophical, scientific, and theological texts. No notable regional frequency variation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[philosophical concept] of indeterminismargue for/against indeterminismindeterminism vs. determinismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially in highly abstract discussions of strategy or market unpredictability, but extremely unlikely.
Academic
Primary context. Used in philosophy, physics, theology, and discussions of free will in psychology.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in quantum mechanics and certain branches of logic and mathematics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The indeterminist position rejects causal necessity.
- He held an indeterminist view of human action.
American English
- The indeterminist stance in quantum theory is widely debated.
- Her argument was fundamentally indeterminist.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some philosophers argue that indeterminism is necessary for true free will.
- The debate between determinism and indeterminism is ancient.
- Quantum indeterminism suggests that at a subatomic level, events are inherently probabilistic.
- His thesis defended a version of libertarian indeterminism, positing uncaused causes for human decisions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the prefix 'IN-' meaning 'not,' and 'DETERMINISM' meaning 'everything is pre-determined.' So, INdeterminism is the theory that NOT everything is pre-determined.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNIVERSE AS AN OPEN SYSTEM (vs. a clockwork mechanism).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'неопределённость' (uncertainty/indefiniteness) which is broader and more common. Indeterminism is a specific philosophical/scientific doctrine. The closest direct translation is 'индетерминизм.'
Common Mistakes
- Using 'indeterminism' to mean simple hesitation or indecisiveness in a person (that's 'indecision').
- Confusing it with 'indeterminacy,' which is the state of being indeterminate or undefined, often used in mathematics or law.
Practice
Quiz
Indeterminism is most directly opposed to which of the following concepts?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Indeterminism is the doctrine that not all events are determined. Randomness is one possible mechanism within indeterminism, but indeterminism could also involve purposeful, non-determined acts (like free will).
Primarily in academic fields: philosophy (ethics, metaphysics), quantum physics, and certain areas of theology and cognitive science.
In quantum mechanics, the exact moment a radioactive atom decays is said to be indeterministic—it is not caused by any prior measurable condition and is inherently unpredictable.
Indeterminism is a doctrine or theory about causation. Indeterminacy refers to a state of being vague, undefined, or not precisely fixed (e.g., 'the indeterminacy of the legal wording').