Determinism

Definition

Determinism is the philosophical concept that all events, including human actions and decisions, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. This idea suggests that individual choices are influenced by a range of factors, such as social conditions, environment, and heredity, reflecting a broader sense of inevitability. In literature, determinism is often explored through characters whose fates seem predetermined by these external forces, particularly in the context of social critique and psychological depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Determinism plays a key role in naturalist literature by emphasizing how characters are shaped by their environment and circumstances beyond their control.
2. In the works of Machado de Assis, characters often grapple with their predetermined social conditions, showcasing the psychological effects of determinism.
3. The deterministic view challenges the notion of free will, raising questions about moral responsibility and individual agency within societal structures.
4. Machado's narratives frequently illustrate how personal choices are constrained by societal norms and expectations, reflecting the deterministic philosophy.
5. Determinism can create a sense of fatalism in literature, suggesting that characters are trapped by their circumstances and unable to escape their fates.

Review Questions

• How does determinism manifest in the characters created by Machado de Assis?
  • In Machado de Assis's works, determinism is evident through characters who often find themselves constrained by societal expectations and personal circumstances. These characters struggle with their roles in society and frequently face conflicts between their desires and the realities imposed upon them. This tension highlights the influence of external factors on individual choices, emphasizing how much of their fates seem preordained by the environment they inhabit.
• Discuss how determinism relates to the characteristics of naturalism in Latin American literature.
  • Determinism aligns closely with naturalism in Latin American literature by underscoring how external factors like social class, environment, and heredity shape human behavior. Naturalist writers depict life realistically, often illustrating how individuals are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. This connection highlights a shared focus on the struggles individuals face against societal pressures and limitations imposed by their circumstances, which often leads to a sense of inevitable outcomes for the characters involved.
• Evaluate the implications of determinism on the themes of free will and moral responsibility in Machado de Assis's narratives.
  • The implications of determinism in Machado de Assis's narratives invite readers to question the extent to which characters exercise free will versus being governed by external forces. As characters navigate their lives within a predetermined social structure, their moral choices become complex. The deterministic framework raises significant questions about accountability and ethics, as it suggests that actions may be driven more by circumstance than by genuine choice. This examination challenges traditional notions of morality in literature by presenting a world where fate often supersedes individual agency.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often portraying life in a detailed and unembellished manner.

Realism:

A literary style that aims to represent everyday life accurately, focusing on ordinary characters and events while often highlighting societal issues.

Psychological Depth:

The exploration of a character's internal thoughts, motivations, and emotions, providing insight into their actions and decisions.