NONDETERMINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Nondetermination, in the context of computer science and theoretical computing, refers to a characteristic or property of certain computational systems, algorithms, or problems that lack a single, predictable outcome or definitive result. It is the absence of determinism in such systems, where multiple potential outcomes or results may exist.
In non-deterministic systems, the next state, action, or result cannot be uniquely determined solely by the current state or input, as there may be various possibilities or options available for the next step. This lack of determinism gives rise to a state of uncertainty or ambiguity regarding the exact outcome or path that the system or algorithm will follow.
Nondetermination is often encountered in the study of non-deterministic and probabilistic algorithms, formal languages, and automata theory. These fields of computer science examine systems where outcomes are influenced by variables that are not fully known, specific, or predictable.
Moreover, this term can also describe a philosophical concept that goes beyond the realm of computing. In philosophy, nondetermination refers to the idea that human actions or events can occur without being strictly determined by prior causes. It implies human agency and the notion of free will, suggesting that individuals have the ability to make choices that are not solely determined by external factors or prior conditions. This philosophical interpretation highlights the broad applicability and significance of the term beyond the realm of computational sciences.
Common Misspellings for NONDETERMINATION
- bondetermination
- mondetermination
- jondetermination
- hondetermination
- nindetermination
- nkndetermination
- nlndetermination
- npndetermination
- n0ndetermination
- n9ndetermination
- nobdetermination
- nomdetermination
- nojdetermination
- nohdetermination
- nonsetermination
- nonxetermination
- noncetermination
- nonfetermination
- nonretermination
- noneetermination
Etymology of NONDETERMINATION
The word "nondetermination" is derived from two separate components: "non-" and "determination".
The prefix "non-" is derived from the Latin word "non", meaning "not". It is commonly used in the English language to indicate negation or the absence of something.
The word "determination" is derived from the Latin word "determinare", which translates to "to limit" or "to settle". In English, "determination" refers to the act of making a decision or resolving something.
When these two components are merged, "non-" and "determination", the resulting word "nondetermination" conveys the meaning of "lack of decision" or "absence of settling". It suggests a state or condition where no definitive conclusion or settlement has been reached.
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