Determinism vs Fatalism: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Determinism suggests that all events are caused by prior states according to scientific laws. Fatalism is the belief that events are pre-destined regardless of what one does.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Determinism mean?
noun · /dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nɪ.z(ə)m/
The philosophical view that all events, including human choices, are determined by prior causes — that the universe unfolds according to laws that make every event inevitable.
Explore DeterminismDeterminism in a sentence
Hard determinism argues that free will is an illusion — choices are the inevitable result of prior causes, back through time.
The appeal of determinism in grief: if everything was determined, then the loss was not preventable, and therefore not your fault.
What does Fatalism mean?
noun · /ˈfeɪ.tə.lɪ.z(ə)m/
The belief that all events are predetermined by fate and therefore inevitable — and that resistance or effort is ultimately futile in the face of what is destined to happen.
Explore FatalismFatalism in a sentence
He had a fatalism about his health that allowed him to approach illness with a calm that puzzled his doctors.
Fatalism is often confused with pessimism — but the fatalist is not necessarily sad, just convinced that outcomes are determined.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Determinism and Fatalism?
Determinism suggests that all events are caused by prior states according to scientific laws. Fatalism is the belief that events are pre-destined regardless of what one does.
What does Determinism mean?
The philosophical view that all events, including human choices, are determined by prior causes — that the universe unfolds according to laws that make every event inevitable.
What does Fatalism mean?
The belief that all events are predetermined by fate and therefore inevitable — and that resistance or effort is ultimately futile in the face of what is destined to happen.