voluntarism

[ vol-uh n-tuh-riz-uh m ]
/ ˈvɒl ən təˌrɪz əm /

noun

Philosophy. any theory that regards will as the fundamental agency or principle, in metaphysics, epistemology, or psychology.
the principle or practice of supporting churches, schools, hospitals, etc., by voluntary contributions or aid instead of relying on government assistance.
any policy or practice based on voluntary action.

Origin of voluntarism

First recorded in 1830–40; voluntar(y) + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM voluntarism

vol·un·ta·rist, noun, adjective vol·un·ta·ris·tic, adjective

Words nearby voluntarism

volumetric displacement, volumetric efficiency, volumetric solution, voluminous, volund, voluntarism, voluntary, voluntary abortion, voluntary aid detachment, voluntary arrangement, voluntary association

Example sentences from the Web for voluntarism

British Dictionary definitions for voluntarism

voluntarism
/ (ˈvɒləntəˌrɪzəm) /

noun

philosophy the theory that the will rather than the intellect is the ultimate principle of reality
a doctrine or system based on voluntary participation in a course of action
the belief that the state, government, and the law should not interfere with the procedures of collective bargaining and of trade union organization
another name for voluntaryism

Derived forms of voluntarism

voluntarist, noun, adjective voluntaristic, adjective