FATALISM. - A philosophical or theological doctrine holding every event, natural or human, to be the inevitable effect of a higher and necessary connection of causes. Various forms of f. are distinguished, according to the nature attributed to the first Cause from which the movement of the machinery of the universe begins. Physical and cosmological f. is that of the Presocratics and, substantially, also that of the Stoics; theological f. that of the Neoplatonists; astral f., the best known and originating in the East (Chaldeans), if it attributes the outcome of human events to the heavenly bodies.
In theology, those doctrines approach f. which, Predestination (v.) Grace (v.), do not leave sufficient scope to human freedom (Lutheranism, Calvinism, Quietism, etc.). V. FATO.
F.A.T.E.: V. FEDERAZIONE ASSOCIAZIONI TEATRO EDUCATIVO (F.A.T.E.).