The positivist belief in universal and rigid determinism, especially shown in Taine.

Herder's rigid determinism not only excludes Voltaire's chance but also suppresses the free play of man's intelligent will.

This is due almost entirely to his doctrine of rigid determinism which reacts with disastrous consequences upon his ethical outlook.

In the case of such a rigid determinism, it seems difficult to hold anyone anywhere responsible for his acts and decisions.

Avoiding rigid determinism, he argues with wit and clarity that a world view grounded in our evolutionary past can "complement insights about the human condition."