deistic
/di:'istik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or characteristic of deism: Pertaining to the philosophical belief that a supreme being created the universe but does not intervene in its operation through miracles or supernatural revelation, relying instead on reason and observation of nature.
Usage
- The term is used to describe ideas, arguments, or thinkers associated with the system of thought known as deism.
- It is typically used in academic, historical, or philosophical contexts.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The philosopher's arguments were fundamentally deistic, emphasizing a distant creator governed by natural laws.
- Many Enlightenment-era thinkers held deistic beliefs, rejecting organized religion in favor of rational theism.
Advanced Usage
- "deistic conception of God": Refers to the view of God as an impersonal creator, akin to a watchmaker who sets the universe in motion but does not interfere.
- The deistic conception of God contrasts sharply with the personal, intervening God of the Abrahamic faiths.
Variants and Related Words
- Deism (n): The philosophical belief system itself.
- Deism was particularly influential during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Deist (n): A person who holds deistic beliefs.
- Thomas Paine is often considered a famous deist.
Synonyms
- Rationalistic theism: Emphasizes the role of reason in understanding God, similar to deism.
- Unitarian (in some historical contexts): Some Unitarians historically held beliefs overlapping with deism, though the terms are not identical.
Antonyms
- Theistic: Often implies belief in a personal, intervening God, especially within specific religious traditions.
- Atheistic: Denying the existence of any deity.
- Fideistic: Emphasizing faith over reason in religious belief.
Adjective
- of or relating to deism