We explain what determination is and what its synonyms can be in different contexts. In addition, we tell you what self-determination is.
What is determination?
Determination or resolution It is the effort to carry out a task, make a change or meet a goal. A person with determination (that is, a determined person) is one who finds the ways and establishes the guidelines to accomplish what he or she proposes, even in the face of a complicated panorama or few opportunities.
the word determination comes from latin determinatiocomposed of the voices of– (“from top to bottom”) and I will finish (“set limits” or “put an end”), so it can be understood as the willingness to put an end to things, that is, to fulfill them. This is why determination is often considered a positive trait, since People with determination tend to be more successful in their projects.
Hence the term is also synonymous with “boldness” or “courage” in certain contexts. It is common, for example, to say that someone “had the determination to quit smoking” or “had the determination to change jobs,” understood to mean that it takes a certain courage and bravery to face some changes without faltering and without deviating from the objective.
Determination and self-determination
When we talk about “self-determination”, we are referring to a different concept than determination or resolution. A self-determined person is someone who demonstrates great autonomy or independence in their actions and their way of being. That is, you can do things on your own and without the approval, permission or support of others. For example, someone can be said to lack self-determination because they always need others to tell them what to do.
This concept also applies to groups and, especially, to countries or nations. The self-determination of peoples is a common political concept in international matters, which establishes the necessary respect of countries for those decisions made by others regarding their internal affairs. It is, therefore, the opposite of interference. The self-determination of a country has to do with its sovereignty and its capacity for autonomous decisions independent of the criteria of other stronger nations.
Continue with: Consistency
References
- Ferrater Mora Philosophy Dictionary. “Determination”. https://www.diccionariodefilosofia.es/
- Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary. “Radiation of the word Determination.” https://etimologias.dechile.net/
- Royal Spanish Academy. “Determination”. Language Dictionary. Espasa.
