Mechanism

Mechanism: doctrine according to which all phenomena are governed and predictable by physical laws in the manner of a machine, whether at micro (organic) or macro (cosmic) levels.

Doctrines according to which all phenomena are matter in motion or governed and predictable by physics-like laws.

See also Mechanical reduction.

Source: What is Good? What is Bad? The Value of All Values across Time, Place and Theories’ by John McMurtry, Philosophy and World Problems, Volume I-III, UNESCO in partnership with Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems: Oxford, 2004-11.