An unpredictabilist is an individual or a system that operates under the belief that future events are inherently unpredictable, and that efforts to foresee or control them are largely futile. This perspective often stems from a rejection of determinism or the assumption that all outcomes can be causally traced back to prior events. Unpredictabilists may emphasize the role of chance, chaos, or human agency in shaping the future, embracing uncertainty as a fundamental aspect of reality. They tend to value flexibility, adaptation, and the ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances, rather than relying on rigid plans or forecasts.
Unpredictabilist meaning with examples
- The financial analyst, a staunch unpredictabilist, scoffed at the industry's obsession with quarterly projections. "Market volatility is a given," he declared, "attempts to predict the next crash are just exercises in self-deception. We must focus on adapting to any outcome." This contrarian view often led him to make unexpected but successful investment decisions.
- As a policymaker, the Prime Minister adopted an unpredictabilist approach, understanding that global events would constantly shift. This meant the administration was geared to be reactionary and quick to change in order to maintain order and prevent a situation from spiraling out of control. This allowed for an aggressive but careful approach to international relations and the future.
- The artist was an unpredictabilist. She let chance and circumstance guide her creative process. She would start a painting with a basic idea, but then allow herself to be influenced by anything from a sudden change in light to a brushstroke that did not follow expectation. Her work was always dynamic and never settled.
- In the realm of artificial intelligence, some researchers are advocating for an unpredictabilist approach, arguing that overly complex systems can lead to unexpected behavior and unforeseen consequences. They propose creating simpler, more adaptable AI that can learn and respond to dynamic environments without relying on exhaustive pre-programming or the potential for rigid routines.