Voluntarism (philosophy)

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Voluntarism is "any metaphysical or psychological system that assigns to the will (Latin: voluntas) a more predominant role than that attributed to the intellect",^[1] or equivalently "the doctrine that will is the basic factor, both in the universe and in human conduct".^[2] Voluntarism has appeared at various points throughout the history of philosophy, seeing application in the areas of metaphysics, psychology, political philosophy and theology. The term voluntarism was introduced by Ferdinand Tönnies into the philosophical literature and particularly used by Wilhelm Wundt and Friedrich Paulsen.

In the context of socialist thought, voluntarism is the use of human will and effort to overcome material limitations to advance development in the absence of advanced technology and economic resources.