nonarbitrarily

The term "nonarbitrary" refers to something that is based on objective principles, logical reasoning, or inherent properties rather than being determined by personal preference, subjective judgment, or arbitrary decision-making. In contrast to arbitrary choices, which are made without clear justification or reasoning, nonarbitrary decisions or systems rely on established criteria, evidence, or fundamental laws.

In philosophy and logic, nonarbitrary reasoning emphasizes the importance of consistency, evidence, and logical coherence in forming conclusions. For example, mathematical truths are considered nonarbitrary because they derive from defined axioms and deductive reasoning rather than individual opinion. Similarly, scientific laws are nonarbitrary because they are grounded in empirical evidence and repeatable experiments.

In language and communication, nonarbitrary signs—such as natural gestures or onomatopoeia—are those that have a direct connection to their meaning without requiring conventional agreement. These contrasts with arbitrary signs, like words in a language, which rely on shared cultural conventions rather than inherent links to their referents.

The concept of nonarbitrariness is also relevant in ethics and decision-making, where fair and just outcomes are often expected to follow from principles rather than personal bias. For instance, legal systems aim to apply rules nonarbitrarily to ensure fairness and predictability in judgments.

Critics of arbitrary systems often argue that nonarbitrary approaches lead to greater reliability and transparency. However, determining what constitutes a nonarbitrary standard can itself be subjective, as it depends on the context and the criteria used to evaluate fairness or logic.