lawlike
Having legal character
Lawlike describes something that resembles or has the character of a law, particularly in philosophy and science.
A lawlike statement or generalization is one that could function as a natural law—it's not merely an accidental truth but expresses a necessary or universal connection: The hypothesis that all metals expand when heated is lawlike, while the observation that all coins in my pocket are silver is not.
The distinction matters because only lawlike statements support counterfactual reasoning and scientific prediction.
Completely caused by prior conditions
- invariableNot subject to change
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
- unchangingNot varying at all
- fixedRestored or immovable
immutable · uniform · regular · steady · constant · stable · reliable · foreseeable
Consistent, predictable occurrence
- uniformityState of being identical
- consistencyReliable adherence to standards
- coherenceLogical internal consistency
- stabilityResistance to displacement
symmetry · balance · harmony · proportion · equilibrium · alignment · precision · methodical
Dictating correct usage
- regulativePertaining to control
- bindingLegally or morally required
- obligatoryRequired by rule
- mandatoryRequired by rule
canonical · codified · formalized · statutory · constitutional · juridical · legislative · enacted
Accepted without question
- deductiveDeriving specifics from generals
- inductiveDeriving general from particular
- inferentialDerived through reasoning
- syllogisticUsing formal deductive reasoning
propositional · systematic · rational · demonstrable · valid · sound · rigorous · formal
deterministic
Completely caused by prior conditions
- invariableNot subject to change
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
- unchangingNot varying at all
fixed · immutable · uniform · regular · steady · constant · stable · reliable · foreseeable · expected
regularity
Consistent, predictable occurrence
- uniformityState of being identical
- consistencyReliable adherence to standards
- coherenceLogical internal consistency
stability · symmetry · balance · harmony · proportion · equilibrium · alignment · precision · methodical · discipline
prescriptive
Dictating correct usage
- regulativePertaining to control
- bindingLegally or morally required
- obligatoryRequired by rule
mandatory · canonical · codified · formalized · statutory · constitutional · juridical · legislative · enacted · sanctioned
axiomatic
Accepted without question
- deductiveDeriving specifics from generals
- inductiveDeriving general from particular
- inferentialDerived through reasoning
syllogistic · propositional · systematic · rational · demonstrable · valid · sound · rigorous · formal · necessary
lawlikerandom
Occurring without pattern
arbitrary · chaotic · unpredictable · irregular · erratic
lawlikeaccidental
Occurring by chance
contingent · coincidental · fortuitous · anomalous · chance
like, law, lawyer, outlaw, laws, lawful, lawless, unlawful, lawyers