chance

chance

1. the PROBABILITYof an event, such as the occurrence of heads or tails on the toss of a coin.
2. social or physical outcomes which are unforseen and perhaps inherently unpredictable.

Chance arises from the existence of physical or social processes which involve random events, a multiplicity of interacting variables in ‘open systems’ (including the changeability of actors' choices), and because actors’ intentions often have UNANTICIPATED CONSEQUENCES. While an inherent CONTINGENCY in social events is seen by some theorists as ruling out general theories, this neglects the availability of generalized ‘probabilistic’ accounts and the fact that it is the goal of general theories to abstract from particular events (and provide EXPLANATION or analytical frameworks), not necessarily to predict or control events.

Coping with chance in social life is a source of MAGIC and RELIGION and the basis of important leisure forms, including games of chance and GAMBLING. See also RISK SOCIETY.

Collins Dictionary of Sociology, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2000

Chance

See also Fate.

Charity (See GENEROSITY.)

Bridoison, Taiel de

judge who casts dice to decide cases. [Fr. Lit.: Pantagruel]

Fata Morgana

lake-dwelling sorceress and personification of chance. [Ital. Lit.: Orlando Innamorato]

Fortuna

goddess of chance. [Rom. Myth.: Kravitz, 58]

Jimmy the Greek

renowned American oddsmaker. [Am. Culture: Wallechinsky, 468]

Russian roulette

suicidal gamble involving a six-shooter, loaded with one bullet. [Folklore: Payton, 590]

Sors

god of chance. [Rom. Myth.: Espy, 42–43]

Three Princes of Serendip

always make discoveries by accident. [Br. Lit.: Three Princes of Serendip]

Urim and Thummin

oracular gems used for casting lots, set in Aaron’s breastplate. [O.T.: Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8]

Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.