Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Determinism is the belief that all behaviors are caused by prior events and conditions, and that individuals have no free will or choice in their actions.
Related terms
Indeterminism: The opposite of determinism, indeterminism suggests that some behaviors are not entirely predictable or caused solely by prior events.
This term refers to the belief that individuals have the ability to make choices and decisions independent of external influences.
Behaviorist Theories: These are psychological theories focused on explaining behavior through observable stimuli and responses, often influenced by determinism.