voluntarism

American  

[vol-uhn-tuh-riz-uhm] / ˈvɒl ən təˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. Philosophy. any theory that regards will as the fundamental agency or principle, in metaphysics, epistemology, or psychology.

2. the principle or practice of supporting churches, schools, hospitals, etc., by voluntary contributions or aid instead of relying on government assistance.

3. any policy or practice based on voluntary action.

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voluntarism British  

/ ˈvɒləntəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy the theory that the will rather than the intellect is the ultimate principle of reality

2. a doctrine or system based on voluntary participation in a course of action

3. the belief that the state, government, and the law should not interfere with the procedures of collective bargaining and of trade union organization

4. another name for voluntaryism

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Other Word Forms

• voluntarist noun
• voluntaristic adjective

Etymology

Origin of voluntarism

First recorded in 1830–40; voluntar(y) + -ism

Compare meaning

How does voluntarism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• voluntarism vs. volunteerism

Example Sentences

You also write about alternatives to the individualist culture, like worker cooperatives and other kinds of voluntarism.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2023

First, in providing me a reassurance that essential virtues, values and voluntarism still thrive, at least in some places.

From Washington Post • Oct. 3, 2022

Societal benefits of higher education also include a higher gross domestic product, decreased crime, increased rates of voluntarism and higher rates of voter participation.

From Washington Times • Nov. 27, 2021

He preached the doctrine of voluntarism: that by sheer audacity of belief the Chinese – and any other people with the necessary strength of will – could transform their country.

From The Guardian • Mar. 16, 2019

There is a puzzle here, because the standard alternative to voluntarism is rationalism, and a rationalist would hold that the laws of nature, like the laws of mathematics, exist because they are necessary.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton