noun
- people who believe that voluntary action and free will are fundamental principles, especially in ethics or politics
- people who support the principle that organizations or institutions should be supported by voluntary contributions rather than government funding
Usage: philosophy; politics
Usage: politics; social policy
Examples
- The voluntarists argued that moral responsibility requires genuine free choice.
- Many voluntarists oppose government funding of religious institutions.
- The debate between voluntarists and determinists has lasted for centuries.
- Voluntarists believe that charitable organizations work best without state interference.
- The philosopher was known as one of the leading voluntarists of his time.
- Voluntarists emphasize the importance of individual choice in ethical decisions.