The spelling of the word "indetermination" can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˌɪn.dɪˌtɜr.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/. The word has three syllables with emphasis on the third syllable. It is derived from the root word "determinate" which means to determine or fix something. The prefix "in-" negates the root word making it indefinite or unspecified. The suffix "-ion" indicates an act or process of something. Therefore, "indetermination" refers to the act of being indeterminate, undetermined or unresolved.
Indetermination is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being indefinite, uncertain, or ambiguous. It pertains to a lack of determination, decisiveness, or firmness in a particular matter or situation. It is the condition characterized by a lack of clear or fixed boundaries, limits, or specifications.
In a philosophical context, indetermination often denotes the notion that reality or certain aspects of it are fundamentally indeterminate, meaning they do not possess a predetermined or fixed outcome or meaning. It is sometimes associated with concepts such as free will, randomness, or unpredictability. In this sense, indetermination suggests that there is an inherent inability to anticipate or fully comprehend all factors that influence an event or the behavior of a system.
Indetermination can also pertain to the lack of singularity or uniqueness in a particular state or condition. For example, in mathematics, indetermination can refer to situations where a function or equation does not have a unique solution, resulting in multiple possible outcomes.
Furthermore, indetermination can describe a state of hesitancy or uncertainty in decision-making or the inability to reach a definite conclusion. It implies a lack of clarity or conviction in determining a course of action, thereby resulting in a state of unresolved or open-endedness.
Overall, indetermination encompasses a range of meanings, including lack of determination, uncertainty, ambiguity, lack of fixed boundaries, inability to predict or comprehend fully, lack of uniqueness, and hesitancy in decision-making.
Want of determination; irresolution.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "indetermination" is derived from the Latin roots "in-" meaning "not" and "determinatio" meaning "determination". It is formed by adding the prefix "in-" to the word "determination" to denote the absence or lack of determination.