-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