1. Plural of determinism; the philosophical doctrine that all events, including human actions and choices, are ultimately determined by causes outside the individual's control.
Usage: philosophy; formal
2. Plural of determinism; specific theories or systems that explain phenomena as the inevitable result of prior causes or natural laws.
Usage: academic; used in comparative contexts

Examples

• Different determinisms have been proposed throughout history, from ancient Stoicism to modern scientific determinism.
• The debate between various determinisms and libertarian free will remains central to philosophy of mind.
• Biological determinisms suggest that genetics largely control human behavior.
• Critics argue that strict determinisms leave no room for moral responsibility.
• Environmental and genetic determinisms are often discussed together in psychology.
• The professor compared several determinisms in her lecture on causality and human agency.