unconditioned

Unconditioned refers to something not conditioned, meaning not dependent on prior conditions or learned through conditioning. The term is used across disciplines to distinguish innate or absolute elements from those that are learned or contingent.

In psychology, unconditioned describes stimuli or responses that occur without prior learning. An unconditioned stimulus (US) naturally elicits an unconditioned response (UR). Classic examples include food causing salivation in dogs or a loud noise triggering a startle. In Pavlovian conditioning, a neutral stimulus paired with a US can become a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a conditioned response (CR). The UR and US are considered unconditioned because they are not acquired through conditioning.

In physiology and behavior science, unconditioned refers to reflexes or drives present at birth or arising without experience, in contrast with conditioned or learned behaviors.

In philosophy and theology, the unconditioned denotes the absolute or unconditional reality that lies beyond any conditional determinations. It is used to discuss the ultimate ground of being, value, or reason, and is interpreted differently by various traditions—from metaphysical absolutes to divine or infinite principles. In discourse, it often serves as a counterpoint to conditioned or relative phenomena.

In summary, unconditioned generally signifies innate, automatic, or absolute aspects that do not depend on conditioning, while its precise meaning is shaped by the disciplinary context.