determinateness (determinatnes)

1. The state of being determinate, certain, or pre cise. On the whole, the variations in the object pursued as good... have consisted in its acquisition of greater fulne and determinatene . T. H. Green, Prolegomena to Ethics, § 257. 2. The quality of being determined or of persevering fixedne of purpose; determination. His determinatene and his power seemed to make allies unnece ary. Jane Austen, Mans field Park, xiv. determination (dē-ter-mi-nā'shon), n. [ The kynge, by thadvise of his counsell and consent of the parties, make the a fynall ende and deter my nation . English Gilds (E. E. T. S.), p. 305. And of the great appearance there was of a speedy de termination of that war. Ludlow, Memoirs, I. 339. 2. Delimitation; the act of setting bounds to or of determining the limits of; specifically, a ignment to the proper place in a cla ification or series. The particular determination of the reward or punishment be long eth unto them by whom laws are made. Hooker, Eccles. Polity, i. § 10. 3. A determining or deciding, as after consideration or examination; specifically, definite or authoritative judicial settlement, as of a controversy or suit. It may be a question who shal haue the determination of such controuersie as may arise whether this or that action or speach be decent or indecent. Putten ham , Arte of Eng. Poesie, p. 220. 4. A decision arrived at or promulgated; an authoritative or final ruling; a determinate opinion or conclusion. His [the Mufti's] author i tie is so esteemed that the Emperour will neuer alter a determination made by him. Purchas, Pilgrimage, p. 312. I have this hour received a despatch from our resident with the determination of the republic on that point. Sterne , Tristram Shandy, iv. 21. will toward some object or end by an antecedent mental state (idea or motive), determination being in the mental what causation is in the physical world. Examination is consulting a guide. The determination of the will, upon inquiry, is following the direction of that guide. Locke, Human Understanding, II. xxi. 50. (b) Of the blood: abnormal afflux or flow: as, deter min a tion of blood to the head. 10. The solution of a problem, mathematical or other; an ascertainment of any magnitude or the value of any quantity; especially, a scientific evaluation based upon exact physical measurements: as, a determination of the length of the seconds-pendulum.-11. In logic: ( a ) The proce of adding characters to a notion, and thus rendering it more definite, whether this is done by limiting its scope or by an increase of information. This notion, in which ego and non-ego are thought as mutually determining, is called by Fichte the category of reciprocal determination (Wechselbestimmung). Adams on , Fichte, p. 168. In the most complete determination within our reach, the conception still does not suffice to enable any one to say positively what the perfection of his life would be. T. H. Green, Prolegomena to Ethics, § 370. (b) The differentiating character itself that is added in this proce . The different determinations of a substance, which are nothing but particular modes in which it exists, are called accidents. Kant , tr. by Max Muller. 12. [ ML.determinatio quæstionis , the answering a question, the posting of theses to be defended.] In Oxford and other old universities: ( a ) A solemn disputation in which the respondent is a bachelor of arts, and which is preparatory to graduation as master of arts. (b) A disquisition or other act substituted in recent times for the old disputation. The determinations were kept in Lent, and hence often called the Lent deter min a tions. Originally, in the University of Paris (the model of most of the old universities of northern Europe, and especially of Oxford and Cambridge), there was but one degree, that of master of arts, carrying with it the right to lecture regularly in the university. The purpose of the determinations was to enable the masters to judge whether the candidate was fit to be presented to the chancellor as candidate for the mastership; and since there were no examinations, there was no other regular means of ascertaining the candidate's fitne . The baccalaureate was at first called the deter min ance, and was originally not a degree, nor conferred by the university, but merely a permi ion to determine or act as chief respondent in the Lent disputations, and was conferred by the "nation." In consequence of this inseparable connection between the baccalaureate and the determinations, the latter are often considered as conditions of the former, although they follow in time. Hence-13t. A discu ion of a question according to the scholastic method, after the model of a disputation. Another diversity of Method, which is likewise of great weight, is the handling of knowledge by. Questions and their Determinations , the latter kind whereof, if it be immoderately followed, is as prejudicial to the proceeding of learning as it is to the proceeding of an army to go about to besiege every little fort or hold. Bacon, Advancement of Learning, ii. He [Wyclif] broached some singular opinions on several abstruse points of metaphysics, which led to deter min a tions or treatises being published against him. Encye. Brit., VIII. 411. =Syn. 3. Conclusion, settlement, termination.-7. Reso lution , etc. (see decision ), firmne , determinative (dē - térmi-na-tiv), a. and n. [= OF . deter min at if , F. déterm in at if =Sp. Pg. It. determinativo, de determinative term in at us, pp. of deter min are, determine: see determine. I. a. 1. Having power to determine, fix, or decide; tending or serving to shape or direct; conclusive. The determinative power of a just cause. Incidents Abp. Bramhall, Against Hobbes. determinative of their course. I. Taylor. 2. Of use in ascertaining the species; serving to determine the precise kind of a thing: as, de terminative tables in the natural sciences (that is, tables arranged for determining the specific character of minerals, plants, etc., and to a ist in a igning them to their species); deter min a tive signs in hieroglyphics; determinative ornaments or structures. If the term added to make up the complex subject does not nece arily or constantly belong to it, then it is deter . minative, and limits the subject to a particular part of its extension: as, Every pious man shall be happy. Watts , Logic, ii. 2. Determinative judgment, in logic , a definitive judgment; one in which something is held as true: opposed to problematical or interrogative judgment . II. n. That which determines or indicates the character or quality of something else. Specifically-( a ) In hieroglyphics , an ideographic sign annexed to a word expre ed by a phonetic sign, for the purpose of defining its signification. Thus, the conventional figure of a tree in the Egyptian hieroglyphics is determinative of the general idea tree , the particular kind of tree being expre ed by the phonetic sign preceding it. For instance, the picture of a man squatting down is used as the generic determinative for the proper names of persons, for pronouns, and participles. Isaac Taylor, The Alphabet, I. 60. (b) In gram . , a determinative or demonstrative word. deter min a to (da-ter-me-nä'tō), adv . [It., determined, pp. of deter min are , deter min are , determine: see determinate , a ., and determine .] In music , with resolution or firmne . determinator (dē-tèr'mi-na-tor), n. [OF. de termineor , deter min our , also deter min at eur = It. deter min a tore, determinator , determi IMG:content-2500.png:[blocks in formation] The outer and living margin of the reef grows up to a height determined by the constant breaking of the waves. Darwin , Coral Reefs, p. 170. We all, each in his measure, help to determine, even if quite unknowingly, what the spirit of the age shall be. E. A. Freeman, Amer. Lects., p. 216. 8. To come to a definite intention in respect of; resolve on; decide: as, he determined to remain. Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus. Acts xx. 16. The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed. Murder was determined , dared and done. Sheridan. Browning , Ring and Book, I. 185. 9. To give direction or tendency to; decide the course of: as, impulse may determine a moving body to this or that point. In the tale of Melibæus his [Chaucer's] inimitable faculty of story-telling comes to his aid, and determines his sentences to a little more variety and picturesquene . S. Lanier , The English Novel, p. 16. Let celestial aspects admonish and advertise, not conclude and determine thy ways. Sir T. Browne, Christ. Mor., iii. 7. Uneasine is the great motive that works on the mind to put it upon action, which for shortne ' sake we will call determining of the will. Locke, 10. To influence the choice of; cause to come to a conclusion or resolution: as, this circumstance determined him to the study of law. Clara Clairmont. took credit to herself for having determined Shelley to travel abroad. E. Dowden , Shelley, II. 7. mine.] One who determines or decides; an arbitrator. [Rare.] Choose them an author out of all protestant divines, whom they would make umpire and determinator between us and them. Bp. Morton, Episcopacy A erted, p. 29. determine (dē-term in), v .; pret. and pp. de termined , ppr. determining . [ determinen , determiner , F. déterminer = Pr. Sp. Pg. deter minar = It. deter min are , deter min are , bound, limit, prescribe, fix, determine, de- + term in are , bound, limit: see term , terminate , de terminate.] I. trans. 1. To fix the bounds of; mark off; settle; fix; establish. [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habit a Acts xvii. 26. tion. 2. To limit in space or extent; form the limits of; bound; shut in: as, yonder hill determines our view. The knowledge of man hitherto hath been determined by the view or sight. Bacon . 3. To ascertain or state definitely; make out; find out; settle; decide upon, as after consideration or investigation: as, to determine the species of an animal or a plant; to determine the height of a mountain, or the quantity of nitrogen in the atmosphere. New Holland is a very large tract of Land. It is not yet determined whether it is an Island or a main Continent. Dampier , Voyages, I. 463. It would be presumption to attempt to determine the employments of that eternal life which good men are to pa in God's presence. J. H. Newman , Parochial Sermons, i. 4. Here be facts, charactery; what they spell Determine, and thence pick what sense you may! Browning, Ring and Book, I. 124. 4. In logic, to explain or limit by by adding differences.-5. To bring to a conclusion; put an end to; end. Death deter min eth the manifold incommodities and painfulne of this wretchedne of this life. Sir T. More, Life of Picus, in Utopia, Int., p. 1xxx. Those would flourish but a short period of time, and be out of vogue when that was determined. Swift, Gulliver's Travels, iii. 8. An act of the will whereby an estate at will is deter mined or put an end to. Black stone , Com., II. 146. Specifically-6. To find, as the solution of a problem; end, as a dispute, by judicial or other final decision: as, the court determined the cause. They still besiege him, being ambitious only To come to blows, and let their swords determine Who hath the better cause. Fletcher (and another ), False One, i. 1. cide, conclude.-10. To induce, influence, lead. II. in trans. 11. To come to a decision or resolution; settle definitively on some line of conduct. Bind 'em fast: when fury hath given way to reason, I will determine of their sufferings, Which shall be horrid. Fletcher (and another ), Sea Voyage, iii. 1. If you have laid my papers and books by, I pray let this me enger have them; I have determined upon them. Donne , Letters, xxiii. 2. To come to a close; end; terminate. Rather deye I wolde and determune. Chaucer , Troilus, iii. 379. 3. To come to a determinate end in time; reach a fixed or definite limit; cease to exist or to be in force. Some estates may determine on future contingencies. Black stone. detersive to One might as well hope to di ect one's own body and be merry in doing it, as to take molecular physics be your dominant guide, your determiner of motives, in what is solely human. George Eliot , in Cro , III. xvii. 2. A determinant bachelor in a university. See determinant , 2. determining (dē-ter'mi-ning), n. [Verbal n. of determine, v.] In medieval universities, the act of qualifying for a degree by keeping the act. See act , 5. determining (dē-term i-ning), p. a. [Ppr. of determine, v.] Having the power of fixing; directing, regulating, or controlling: as, deter mining influences or conditions. determinism (de-ter'mi-nizm), n. [ to doctrine of the freedom of the will. If man is only a sample of the universal determinism , yet forms purposes, contrives for their accomplishment, and executes them, definite causality and prospective thought can work together, and the field which is occupied by the one is not preoccupied against the other. J. Martin eau , Materialism, p. 195. 2. In general, the doctrine that whatever is or happens is entirely determined by antecedent causes; the doctrine that the science of phenomena consists in connecting them with the antecedent conditions of their existence. Such knowledge as we are capable of obtaining is strictly limited to what Claude Bernard calls the determinism of phenomena; that is to say, we can know only under what determining conditions events capable of recognition through our senses or through consciousne take place. The Atlantic, Sept., 1878. determinist (de-tėr'mi-nist), n. and a. [ termine + -ist.] I. n. One who supports or favors determinism. He [man] knows how he himself, though conscious of self disposal as well as of subjection of nature, presents to the determinist the aspect of a machine. J. Martin eau, Materialism, p. 196. II. a . Relating to the doctrine of determinism. It seems to me that the root of the Positivists' scorn for theology is the determinist doctrine which, in spite of all the evidence of the ages, denies the po ibility, and of course therefore the reality, of sin. Contemporary Rev. , LI. 492. deterministic (dē-tér-mi-nis'tik), a . [ The deterministic doctrine would stand on just as firm a foundation as it does if there were no physical science. Huxley , Fortnightly Rev., N. S., XL. 801. deter ration (de-te-ra's hon), n. [L. as if * de terratio ( n- ), deter rare (> OF. deterrer , F. déter rer , dig up), de , from, + terra , earth.] The uncovering of anything which is buried or covered with earth; an unearthing. (Rare.] Lecky, Eng. in 18th Cent., i. The power of a magistrate was supposed to determine only by his own resignation. J. Adams , Works, IV. 530. The Parliament, according to law, determined in six months after the decease of the sovereign. The tax [on sugar] was not imposed without consider able opposition from the merchants, and, granted for eight years only, determined in 1693. S. Dowell , Taxes in England, IV. 23. This concerns the raising of new mountains, deterra Woodward. tions, or the devolution of earth down upon the valleys from the hills and higher grounds. deterrence (dē-ter'ens), n. [ determined (de-termind), p. a. [Pp. of deter --ce.] The act of deterring, or that which demine, v.] 1. Limited; restricted; confined ters; a hindrance; a deterrent. [Rare.] within bounds; circumscribed. His power is determined , he may terrify us, but not hurt. Burton, Anat. of Mel., p. 659. 2. Definite; determinate; precisely marked. The person of a noun singular is determined or undetermined. A. Hume, Orthographie (E. E. T. S.), p. 28. Those many shadows lay in spots determined and unmoved. Words worth. 3. Characterized by or showing determination or fixed purpose; resolute: as, a determined man; a determined countenance; a determined effort.-4. Unfaltering; unflinching; unwavering. Strictly speaking, it is only Sparta and Athens that can be regarded as determined enemies to the Persians. Von Ranke , Univ. Hist. (trans.), p. 171. =Syn. 3 and 4. Firm, inflexible, stanch, steadfast. determinedly (de-ter'mind-li), adv. In a determined manner; with determination; unwaveringly. He [the Highlander] is courteous, dutiful, determinedly persevering, unflinching as a foe, unwearied as a friend. Geikie , Geol. Sketches, ii. 50. determiner (dē-tėr'mi-nėr), n. 1. One who decides or determines. No man or body of men in these times can be the infallible judges or determiners in matters of religion to any other mens consciences but thir own. Milton , Civil Power. Whatever punishment any crime required for deterrence from its repetition. Nineteenth Century , XXI. 111. deterrent (dē-ter'ent), a . and n. [ deter ren (t-) s , ppr. of deterrere , deter: see deter .] I. a . Having the power or tendency to deter; hindering through fear; preventive. The deterrent effect of such penalties is in proportion to their certainty. Bentham , Rationale of Punishment. The punishments of a future state [have] lost much of their deterrent influence. J. R. Seeley, Nat. Religion, p. 182. II. n. That which deters or tends to deter. No deterrent is more effective than a punishment which, if incurred, is sure, speedy, and severe. Bentham, Rationale of Punishment. But long credits have always been known to be dangerous, and the danger has never proved an effectual deter . Contemporary Rev. , L. 262. rent.