Dindétermination

Dindétermination is a neologism used in some French-language discussions to describe a state of persistent indeterminacy where outcomes or determinations resist stabilization despite available information. The term blends the notion of indétermination with a sense of process or dynamics, and it is employed primarily in philosophy of science, decision theory, and cognitive science.

Definition and scope: A dindéterminée situation occurs when multiple options carry comparable justification or when structural or contextual constraints prevent discrimination between outcomes. The degree of dindétermination can vary with time pressure, data reliability, and the interpretive framework applied by a decision-maker or observer.

Origins and usage: The term is relatively recent and appears only in a small body of French-language writings and online glossaries. It is not yet standardized and is often defined in relation to indétermination or ambiguity, with an emphasis on the evolving or procedural aspect of uncertainty.

Applications: In decision theory, dindétermination describes scenarios where a rational agent cannot prefer one action over another due to equal expected value and insufficient evidence to break the tie. In philosophy of science, it can illustrate limits to theory choice when competing models fit the available data. In cognitive science, it may model real-world judgments that refuse to settle on a single interpretation.

Criticism: Some scholars argue that dindétermination risks duplicating existing concepts of uncertainty without adding clear analytical value, and recommend clearer delimitation from related notions such as uncertainty and indétermination.

See also: indétermination, uncertainty, ambiguity, indeterminacy, decision theory.