What concept suggests that thoughts and behaviors occur as a result of previous events and natural laws?

The concept that suggests thoughts and behaviors occur as a result of previous events and natural laws is known as determinism. Determinism posits that every event, including human actions, is determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws of the universe. This philosophical viewpoint implies that free will is an illusion since our choices are largely guided by factors such as genetics, environment, and past experiences. In ethical discussions, determinism raises questions about accountability and moral responsibility, as it challenges the notion that individuals freely choose their actions.

In contrast, other concepts listed, such as utilitarianism, focus on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering based on the consequences of actions, rather than on prior conditions and natural laws. Moral egoism emphasizes actions based on self-interest, which does not directly engage with the causal aspects of previous events. Transcendental idealism, while discussing the nature of reality and perception, does not address behavioral causation in the same way determinism does. Thus, determinism stands out as the philosophy that ties individual thoughts and behaviors to a chain of preceding events governed by natural laws.