Add to ORKGRecent works have shown that it is possible to devise a clear thesis of universal determinism. Two such theses are formulated. Apparently the motivations for universal determinism have been: (1) to account for the explanatory power of scientific laws, (2) to support the principle of sufficient reason, and (3) to provide a methodological criterion for scientific progress. Universal determinism is, however, unsatisfactory in view of its apparent conflict with important physical theories such as quantum mechanics. The question then arises whether there is a weaker thesis, compatible with contemporary physical theories, that satisfies the motivation for universal determinism. A thesis of relative determination that satisfies these conditions is...