Predeterminism vs. Determinism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Predeterminism asserts that all events are predetermined by cosmic forces or divine will, while determinism argues that events are caused by preceding events or natural laws.
Difference Between Predeterminism and Determinism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Predeterminism posits that every event or action is preordained, potentially by divine power or cosmic conditions, implying that the universe's future is scripted and unchangeable from the outset. On the other hand, determinism holds that every event is the result of preceding events according to consistent natural laws, focusing more on causality rather than predestination.
Predeterminism often introduces a metaphysical component, suggesting that the course of the universe was set from its inception, potentially by an all-knowing entity. Whereas determinism relies on the chain of cause and effect within the universe's laws, suggesting a closed system where past and present dictate the future without invoking a supernatural planner.
In predeterminism, the notion of free will is entirely negated as the script of the universe is already written. In contrast, some interpretations of determinism, particularly compatibilist views, allow for some concepts of free will, arguing that human actions are determined but individuals can still choose within the constraints set by history and biology.
While predeterminism can be seen as a form of determinism with the addition of a temporal element (everything is already determined from the beginning of time), determinism itself does not necessarily specify when or how the paths were set, only that they are inevitable.
Predeterminism often aligns with theological doctrines, suggesting that an omnipotent power has established the future. Determinism, meanwhile, is more likely to be aligned with scientific and philosophical reasoning, arguing that understanding the laws of nature allows us to predict and understand future outcomes.
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Comparison Chart
Basis of Theory
Cosmic forces, divine will
Natural laws, causal chains
View on Free Will
Generally denies free will completely
May allow for free will within defined constraints
Relation to Supernatural
Often linked with theological or metaphysical concepts
Generally secular and scientific
Temporal Aspect
Events are predetermined from the beginning of time
Events are determined as they occur within a timeframe
Philosophical Alignment
More aligned with fatalistic and theological perspectives
Closely tied to scientific and logical reasoning
Compare with Definitions
Predeterminism
The philosophical idea that the future is already decided and cannot be changed.
Predeterminism can lead to a fatalistic worldview where choices are seen as mere illusions.
Determinism
The philosophical theory that all events, including moral choices, are completely determined by previously existing causes.
Determinism suggests that if we knew all the laws of physics, we could predict every future state of the universe.
Predeterminism
The belief that all actions and events are the results of an unchangeable divine script.
Followers of predeterminism often view life's challenges as tests that are part of a predetermined plan.
Determinism
The idea that past events influence future events in a predictable way.
Determinism holds that knowing the complete state of a system at one time allows prediction of its future state.
Predeterminism
The concept that every event is a manifestation of divine or cosmic will.
Predeterminism could argue that every disaster occurs for a reason orchestrated from the universe's beginning.
Determinism
The belief that free will is an illusion and that all events are governed by deterministic laws.
Proponents of determinism argue that what we consider 'choice' is just the result of complex biochemical reactions.
Predeterminism
The doctrine that all events have been willed by God or predetermined by some other force.
In predeterminism, the outcome of a war might be seen as having been set in motion at the dawn of time.
Determinism
The doctrine that everything happens is essentially predetermined by existing conditions.
Determinism in physics posits that every particle's behavior can be predicted based on natural laws.
Predeterminism
An extreme form of determinism where the end points are set before the process starts.
In predeterminism, not just natural events but every thought and action are considered predetermined.
Determinism
Determinism is the philosophical view that all events are determined completely by previously existing causes. Deterministic theories throughout the history of philosophy have sprung from diverse and sometimes overlapping motives and considerations.
Predeterminism
Predeterminism is the philosophy that all events of history, past, present and future, have been already decided or are already known (by God, fate, or some other force), including human actions. Predeterminism is closely related to determinism.
Determinism
The philosophical doctrine that every state of affairs, including every human event, act, and decision, is the inevitable consequence of antecedent states of affairs.
Predeterminism
The belief that all events that occur have already been determined.
Determinism
(philosophy) The doctrine that all actions are determined by the current state and immutable laws of the universe, with no possibility of choice.
Determinism
(computing) The property of having behavior determined only by initial state and input.
Determinism
The doctrine that the will is not free, but is inevitably and invincibly determined by motives, preceding events, and natural laws.
Its superior suitability to produce courage, as contrasted with scientific physical determinism, is obvious.
Determinism
(philosophy) a philosophical theory holding that all events are inevitable consequences of antecedent sufficient causes; often understood as denying the possibility of free will
Common Curiosities
Does predeterminism always involve a divine or supernatural element?
Typically, yes. Predeterminism usually includes a metaphysical belief in divine will or an external cosmic force that dictates all events.
Is there a historical context that influenced the development of predeterminism?
Predeterminism has roots in religious and philosophical doctrines that emphasize divine sovereignty and the omnipotence of a creator, which have been central to many ancient and medieval philosophies.
Does determinism negate the need for ethics?
Not necessarily. Even within a deterministic framework, ethics can guide human behavior by delineating predictable consequences of actions based on past events.
Can predeterminism be tested or proven scientifically?
Predeterminism, due to its metaphysical elements, generally eludes direct scientific testing and is more a subject of theological or philosophical study.
Can determinism coexist with the concept of free will?
Yes, through a perspective called compatibilism, which argues that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive and that individuals can make choices within the constraints of determinism.
What impact does determinism have on psychological theories?
Determinism has influenced psychological theories by promoting the idea that behaviors are predictable based on previous stimuli and conditioning, fundamental to approaches like behaviorism.
How do literature and media typically portray determinism and predeterminism?
Literature and media often explore these concepts through narratives that question the nature of fate, destiny, and the degree of control individuals have over their lives, typically highlighting the conflict between free will and destiny.
How does predeterminism affect moral responsibility?
In predeterminism, moral responsibility is often viewed as moot because choices are seen as preordained, thereby potentially absolving individuals from responsibility for their actions.
What are the scientific implications of determinism?
In science, determinism implies that all events, including actions of living beings, are determined by the unalterable laws of physics and prior states, which theoretically makes the universe predictable.
What role does causality play in determinism?
Causality is central to determinism; it posits that every event or state is a direct result of previous events or states according to the laws of cause and effect.
How do modern philosophers view determinism?
Modern philosophers often debate the implications of determinism for understanding consciousness, ethics, and the laws of nature, with some advocating for determinism's consistency with natural science and others criticizing its implications for free will.
Are there any prominent figures who supported predeterminism?
Historical figures like St. Augustine and John Calvin are often associated with theological predeterminism due to their emphasis on divine predestination.
What is a common criticism of predeterminism?
A common criticism is that it removes any real choice or freedom from individuals, leading to fatalism where one's decisions or actions are irrelevant.
How does determinism handle random or unpredictable events?
Determinists might argue that events only appear random and are actually predictable if all underlying conditions are known, adhering to deterministic principles.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
