voluntarism

[ vol-uh n-tuh-riz-uh m ]

/ ˈvɒl ən təˌrɪz əm /

noun

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

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

any policy or practice based on voluntary action.

Nearby words

Origin of voluntarism

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

Related formsvol·un·ta·rist, noun, adjectivevol·un·ta·ris·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for voluntaristic

But it is a type of pragmatism quite free from dependence upon a voluntaristic psychology.
Essays in Experimental Logic|John Dewey
Experience has then no longer any meaning in a voluntaristic sense; it is merely a complex of elements.
Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 1|Various

British Dictionary definitions for voluntaristic

voluntarism

/ (ˈvɒləntəˌrɪzəm) /

noun

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

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

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

another name for voluntaryism

Derived Formsvoluntarist, noun, adjectivevoluntaristic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for voluntaristic

voluntarism

1838, in philosophy, from voluntary + -ism. As the theory or principal of using voluntary action rather than coercion (in politics, etc.), from 1924, American English (Voluntaryism in this sense is recorded from 1883).