Necessarianism (/nes.ɛsɛ.ɹeɪ/), a philosophical doctrine, is derived from the Latin word "necessarius," meaning unavoidable or necessary. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word reveals its spelling: n-e-c-e-s-s-a-r-i-a-n-i-s-m. Necessarianism holds that all events, actions, and decisions follow a necessary cause-effect chain that cannot be altered, and individuals do not have free will. This concept has been debated for centuries by philosophers and scientists, with some claiming that determinism undermines moral responsibility and human agency, while others argue that it promotes a logical understanding of the universe.
Necessarianism is a philosophical doctrine that argues for the belief in determinism, suggesting that all events and actions are predetermined and inevitable. Derived from the word "necessity," it posits that every occurrence is the result of a complex web of causal relationships that are beyond human control or free will.
According to necessarianism, the present state of affairs is a necessary consequence of the prior conditions or causes that determined it. This perspective rejects the idea of a personal or individual agency, suggesting that individuals are bound by the predetermined course of events and have no genuine ability to actively choose or control their actions.
Necessarianism is often contrasted with libertarianism, which advocates for the existence of free will and argues that humans possess the capacity to make choices and act independently from external causes. While necessarianism maintains that every action is an unavoidable effect of preceding causes, libertarianism asserts that individuals have the ability to consciously deliberate and make decisions that are not causally determined.
This philosophical concept has implications for various fields, such as ethics, psychology, and even theological debates on determinism versus free will. Necessarianism provokes philosophical discussions on the nature of human agency, responsibility, and the possibility of moral judgment in a world governed by determinism.
The doctrine of philosophical necessity in regard to the origin and existence of all things, but particularly as applied to acting or choosing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "necessarianism" is derived from the combination of two root words: "necessity" and "arianism".
1. Necessity: The term "necessity" derives from the Latin word "necessitas", meaning "compulsion", "constraint", or "need". In English, it has been used since the 14th century to refer to a state of being indispensable, unavoidable, or requiring immediate attention.
2. Arianism: The suffix "-arianism" pertains to a belief system or doctrine associated with a particular individual or group. It is derived from the word "Arianism", which originated from the name Arius, an influential Christian theologian of the 4th century. Arius rejected the orthodox Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity and proposed that Jesus Christ was a created being rather than fully divine.