Mechanistic (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Of or relating to the philosophical theory of mechanism.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The scientist's mechanistic view of the world led her to see human behavior as solely the result of physical processes in the brain.
- Mechanistic philosophy asserts that everything, including human behavior and thought, can be reduced to simple mechanical components.
- Descartes' mechanistic explanation of animal behavior held that they were nothing more than machines programmed by their physical environment.
- Critics argue that mechanistic thinking is too simplistic, neglecting the complex interplay between biology and culture in human societies.
- A mechanistic approach to human emotion posits that emotions arise solely from biological and physiological processes, with no influence from conscious thought.
Related Words
Meaning 2
Explained in terms of physical forces; "a mechanistic universe".
Classification
All adjective clusters.