Necessity

(ne-ses'se-te.) [From L. nece itas.] (Metaph). The cause of that which cannot be otherwise; or whatever is done by a power that is irresistible, in which sense it stands opposed to free-will. The schoolmen distinguish a physical N. and a moral N.; a simple or absolute N., and a relative one. Physical N. is that which arises from the laws of nature, and which cannot be overcome without, for the occasion, setting those laws aside. Moral N. is only a great tendency, such as that arising from a long habit, a strong inclination, or a violent pa ion. Simple or absolute N. is that which has no dependence on any state or conjuncture, or any particular situation of things, but is found everywhere, and in all the circumstances in which the agent can be placed. Relative N. is that which renders a person incapable of acting, or not acting, in those circumstances and that situation in which he is found; though in other circumstances, and in another state of things, he might, at pleasure, act or not act. When a man's actions are determined by causes beyond his control,he acts from N., and is not a free agent. (ne'ko,) one of the Pharaoh dynasty of Egyptian kings, s. his father, Psammetichus, in 617 B. c., defeated Josiah king of Judah, and was himself defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in606. [s. 635]