indeterminism

noun

in·de·ter·min·ism ˌin-di-ˈtər-mə-ˌni-zəm

: a theory that the will is free and that deliberate choice and actions are not determined by or predictable from antecedent causes

: a theory that holds that not every event has a cause

: the quality or state of being indeterminate

especially : unpredictability

indeterminist

ˌin-di-ˈtər-mə-nist

-ˈtərm-nist

noun

indeterministic

ˌin-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈni-stik

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Neuroscience, quantum indeterminism and the Cartesian soul. —

Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Dec. 2013 Quantum indeterminism implies that for a particular quantum state there are many (possibly infinite) alternative futures or potential realities. —

Paul Davies, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2014 His language is spare, strange, and evocative, with a tugging indeterminism. —

Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2019 The characteristic features are indeterminism and uncertainty: fire an electron at an atom and observe it bounce to the right. —

Paul Davies, Slate Magazine, 16 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indeterminism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.