deism
UK[ˈdeɪ.ɪ.zəm]US[ˈdiː.ɪ.zəm]
n
the belief that god exists and created the universe but does not influence or intervene in human life or the natural world.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
ism
de
god
ism
belief system
Etymology
the word deism is a modern construction from the latin root 'deus', meaning god. it was formed in the 17th century by adding the greek-derived suffix '-ism', which denotes a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy. this combination directly creates the term for a specific theological doctrine. the logic is transparent: 'deism' literally means the belief system or doctrine concerning god, specifically one that rejects divine revelation and intervention, contrasting with 'theism' which posits an active, personal god.
Analysis
Structure: de (god) + ism (belief system)
de (from latin 'deus', meaning 'god'), ism (from greek '-ismos', a suffix forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine)
Examples
many enlightenment thinkers were proponents of deism, viewing the universe as a clockwork mechanism set in motion by a creator.
his personal philosophy leaned towards deism, as he believed in a supreme being but not in organized religion.
deism often emphasizes reason and observation of the natural world as the path to understanding god.