What does 'deterministic' mean in the context of Democritus' theories?

In the context of Democritus' theories, being 'deterministic' refers to the idea that everything is caused and can be determined by preceding events or natural laws. This concept is rooted in a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the role of causation in understanding the universe. Democritus proposed that everything in the universe is made of atoms moving in a void, with their movements subject to natural laws. Thus, each event or state of affairs arises from a preceding state, guided by these physical laws. This view contrasts sharply with notions of randomness or unpredictability, where events might occur without a specific cause or could be influenced by supernatural powers. Understanding this deterministic framework helps to appreciate the early philosophical arguments about the nature of existence and the cosmos that laid groundwork for later scientific inquiry.