compatibilism
kum-PAT-uh-buh-liz-um
/kəmˈpæt.ɪ.bɪ.lɪ.zəm/
The thesis that free will and causal determinism are mutually compatible and can co-exist without contradiction.
Redefines free will as acting in accordance with internal desires without external physical coercion.
The story behind the word. Coined in 20th-century analytic philosophy from 'compatible' (capable of existing together in agreement) and the suffix '-ism'.
Word relationships
- soft determinism: Soft determinism is a specific compatibilist stance that accepts both physical determinism and moral responsibility.
- incompatibilism: Incompatibilism holds that determinism and free will are fundamentally contradictory.
Commonly confused with
- compatibility: Compatibility is general harmony between things, whereas compatibilism is a specific philosophical doctrine.
Word family
- compatibilist (noun): A philosopher who supports compatibilism.
- compatibilistic (adjective): Pertaining to compatibilism.
Collocations
- defend compatibilism
- classical compatibilism
- embrace compatibilism
Example sentences
- "Modern compatibilism redefines free will as freedom from coercion rather than freedom from physical causality." Metaphysics debate
Memory hook
COMPATIBLE-ism = Determinism and Free Will can be COMPATIBLE partners. Free will meets determinism in peace.
When not to use
Avoid outside of formal philosophical debates concerning human agency and physical laws.
Fun facts
- David Hume was an early pioneer of compatibilism, arguing that freedom is simply acting without physical restraint.
Related words
Explore more words
freedom, authenticity, comply, autonomy, internalization, compulsive
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