Contingentist

A contingentist is an individual who believes that events are not predetermined or necessarily connected, but rather are the result of chance and circumstance. They emphasize the significance of possibilities and the interplay of factors that lead to specific outcomes, rejecting notions of preordained destiny or inherent purpose in the world. Contingentists often highlight the role of human agency and free will in shaping events, stressing that history and the future remain open and subject to change based on choices and unpredictable developments. They may hold varying degrees of emphasis, from an almost complete reliance on probability to accepting some structures in the world.

Contingentist meaning with examples

• The historian, a staunch contingentist, argued that the course of the First World War was not inevitable, but a consequence of a series of miscalculations and unexpected events. He focused on individual decisions and chance encounters rather than grand narratives of inevitable conflict, showing how a single assassination was a trigger to cause a world war. He explored the numerous 'what ifs' that changed the outcome, from battle plans to political intrigues.
• The artist, a fervent contingentist, sees creativity as an exploration of the unexpected. They often work with found objects, chance encounters with materials and techniques, and random arrangements of objects, believing that the best art emerges from accidents and unpredictable inspiration, with the intention of the viewer discovering their own meaning. They embraced imperfection and embraced the idea of allowing the process to shape the final work, not predetermined.
• As a strategic analyst, she was a clear contingentist, understanding that the success of any business strategy depends heavily on how outside forces react. She stressed the importance of scenario planning and adaptability. Considering market shifts, political events, and emerging technologies meant acknowledging that even the best-laid plans could unravel, leading to alternative tactics.
• The philosopher, a committed contingentist, debated that human life is fundamentally shaped by choices and external factors. They challenged the idea of a fixed human nature. They believed that any individual could change their actions. They emphasized the potential for individuals to make new choices or adapt in unexpected ways, and that society can be very different based on actions.