voluntarism

• POS: Adjective, Noun
• HYPHEN: vol=un=ta=rism

CIDE DICTIONARY

voluntarism, n. 

•  Any theory which conceives will to be the dominant factor in experience or in the constitution of the world; -- contrasted with intellectualism. Schopenhauer and Fichte are typical exponents of the two types of metaphysical voluntarism, Schopenhauer teaching that the evolution of the universe is the activity of a blind and irrational will, Fichte holding that the intelligent activity of the ego is the fundamental fact of reality.  [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
•  the principle or practice of depending on volunteers to support institutions or perform some desired action.  [PJC]
•  a political philosophy opposed to dependence on governmental action or support for social services that might be performed by private groups.  [PJC]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

voluntarism, n.
1 the principle of relying on voluntary action rather than compulsion.
2 Philos. the doctrine that the will is a fundamental or dominant factor in the individual or the universe.
3 hist. the doctrine that the Church or schools should be independent of the State and supported by voluntary contributions.

Derivative

voluntarist n.

Etymology

irreg. f. VOLUNTARY