accidentalism

American  

[ak-si-den-tl-iz-uhm] / ˌæk sɪˈdɛn tlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause.

2. Philosophy. any theory holding that some events have no causes.

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Other Word Forms

• accidentalist noun

Etymology

Origin of accidentalism

First recorded in 1850–55; accidental + -ism

Example Sentences

For the philosophic theories relating to this subject see Accidentalism.

From Project Gutenberg

The way in which they contrasted and harmonised with each other was too studied for English traditions, which, in all circumstances, cling to something of the impromptu, an air of accidentalism.

From Project Gutenberg

It is indeed not much more than a century since there was any real emergence from theological assumptions and pure romanticism and accidentalism in these matters.

From Project Gutenberg

Have you ever given thought to the accidentalism of many great discoveries?

From Project Gutenberg

In metaphysics, accidentalism denies the doctrine that everything occurs or results from a definite cause.

From Project Gutenberg