voluntarism
Noun: - Philosophical doctrine: "Voluntarism" is the theory that the will is the fundamental principle in the universe, asserting that will, rather than intellect or reason, is the primary force in human action, reality, or knowledge. It emphasizes the role of volition (choice) in determining beliefs, ethics, or metaphysics. - Political or social principle: In a broader sense, "voluntarism" refers to a system or practice based on voluntary participation, often in the context of social services, education, or community action, where individuals contribute freely without coercion or payment.
Philosophical context:
- The philosopher argued for voluntarism, claiming that human freedom is more important than logical necessity. (The belief that will is the primary driver of existence.)
- In ethics, voluntarism suggests that moral rules are based on God's will, not on reason alone. (A theory where divine choice determines right and wrong.)
Social/political context:
- The organization relies on voluntarism to staff its community programs. (The practice of using unpaid, voluntary workers.)
- Some advocates promote voluntarism as an alternative to government-mandated social services. (A system based on voluntary contributions rather than compulsory taxes.)
"Voluntarism in theology": The doctrine that God's will is the ultimate source of moral law, often contrasted with intellectualism (which emphasizes God's reason).
- Theologians debated voluntarism, asking whether God commands good because it is good, or if it is good because God commands it. (A key distinction in religious ethics.)
"Voluntarism in politics": The principle that political associations should be formed and maintained by free consent, not force.
- Anarcho-capitalists often advocate for voluntarism, rejecting state authority in favor of private contracts. (A political theory based on voluntary exchange.)
- Voluntarist (noun/adjective): a person who supports or advocates voluntarism; relating to voluntarism.
- She is a voluntarist who believes all social interactions should be voluntary. (An adherent of the doctrine.)
- Voluntary (adjective): done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
- The donation was entirely voluntary. (Not forced or required.)
- Volunteer (noun): a person who freely offers to do something.
- He works as a volunteer at the hospital. (Someone who gives time without pay.)
- Volitionalism: a philosophical term emphasizing will as the central principle (often synonymous with voluntarism).
- Voluntariness: the quality of being voluntary; free choice.
- Free will: the power of acting without constraint of necessity or fate.
- Of one's own volition: by one's own choice; voluntarily.
- She left the job of her own volition, not because she was fired. (She chose to leave freely.)
- Volunteer for: to offer oneself for a task or service.
- He volunteered for the dangerous mission. (He offered to take on the task without being asked.)