accidentalism

American  

[ak-si-den-tl-iz-uhm] / ˌæk sɪˈdɛn tlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause.

2. Philosophy. any theory holding that some events have no causes.

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Other Word Forms

• accidentalist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of accidentalism

First recorded in 1850–55; accidental + -ism

Example Sentences

I told him you could only become a boy of accidentalism.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

The way in which they contrasted and harmonised with each other was too studied for English traditions, which, in all circumstances, cling to something of the impromptu, an air of accidentalism.

From Sir Tom by Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)

Have you ever given thought to the accidentalism of many great discoveries?

From How To Write Special Feature Articles A Handbook for Reporters, Correspondents and Free-Lance Writers Who Desire to Contribute to Popular Magazines and Magazine Sections of Newspapers by Bleyer, Willard Grosvenor

In metaphysics, accidentalism denies the doctrine that everything occurs or results from a definite cause.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

It is indeed not much more than a century since there was any real emergence from theological assumptions and pure romanticism and accidentalism in these matters.

From The Passionate Friends by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)