Voluntarism

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Voluntarism \Vol"un*ta*rism\, n.
     1. (Philosophy) Any theory which conceives will to be the
        dominant factor in experience or in the constitution of
        the world; -- contrasted with {intellectualism}.
        Schopenhauer and Fichte are typical exponents of the two
        types of metaphysical voluntarism, Schopenhauer teaching


        that the evolution of the universe is the activity of a
        blind and irrational will, Fichte holding that the
        intelligent activity of the ego is the fundamental fact of
        reality.
        [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     2. The principle or practice of depending on volunteers to
        support institutions or perform some desired action.
        [PJC]
  
     3. A political philosophy opposed to dependence on
        governmental action or support for social services that
        might be performed by private groups.
        [PJC]