nonmechanistic

1 9.9

Does not follow simple cause and effect

adjective
/ˌnɒnˈmɛkənɪstɪk/

Formal

: no mecanicista

However, as the proponents of the nonmechanistic worldview tell us, nature is not wasteful.

Examples

Many philosophers argue that nonmechanistic views provide a more holistic understanding of consciousness.
In her lecture, she emphasized the importance of nonmechanistic explanations in the study of biology.
The scientist presented a theory that embraced nonmechanistic approaches to understanding complex systems.

Synonyms

nonmechanical

vsnonmechanistic

1 5.9

Not done by machines, often electronic or done by hand

is not explained by deterministic cause-and-effect principles

Antonyms

mechanistic

8 7.4

Treating things as if they work like a machine and ignoring their complexity

How Mechanistic

deterministic

Specialized

9 7.7

mechanistic

8 7.4

nonmechanistic

Formal

1 9.9

Surface Forms

nonmechanistic positive

Morphology

nonmechanistic = mechanistic (transparent) = non + mechan + istic

The prefix 'non-' clearly negates the meaning of 'mechanistic', indicating something not based on mechanical principles.

Etymology

Nonmechanistic begins with non- meaning 'not' and uses the root mechanic, which is like the everyday words 'machine' and 'mechanical'. So, nonmechanistic describes ideas or systems that are 'not machine-like' and cannot be fully explained by simple mechanical rules.