from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Voluntarism \Vol"un*ta*rism\, n.
1. (Philosophy) Any theory which conceives will to be the
dominant factor in experience or in the constitution of
the world; -- contrasted with {intellectualism}.
Schopenhauer and Fichte are typical exponents of the two
types of metaphysical voluntarism, Schopenhauer teaching
that the evolution of the universe is the activity of a
blind and irrational will, Fichte holding that the
intelligent activity of the ego is the fundamental fact of
reality.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. The principle or practice of depending on volunteers to
support institutions or perform some desired action.
[PJC]
3. A political philosophy opposed to dependence on
governmental action or support for social services that
might be performed by private groups.
[PJC]