Deterministic
A system or process whose future state is completely determined by its current state and governing rules, with no random elements. Given the same initial conditions, a deterministic system always produces the same outcome.
Biological Context
Classical mechanics is deterministic; quantum mechanics is not. Many biological models include both deterministic components (predictable responses to stimuli) and stochastic components (random variation). Real biological systems usually involve both, with randomness more important at small scales.
Business Application
Business planning often assumes deterministic outcomes, but real markets involve substantial randomness. Distinguishing what's controllable (deterministic) from what's random (stochastic) prevents both overconfidence and unnecessary paralysis.