Determinism usually implies scientific-logical causality within the system of already known concepts. For example, events are caused by application of force to inert objects. Momentum overcomes object inertia. Gravity accelerates mass. Heat excites molecules.
Reproductive success selects genetic codes.
And so forth. These are the kinds of causal relationships defined by science that can make up part of a legitimate mechanism, or system of explanation. But this scientific chauvinism is not necessary. The concepts of mechanism and determinism can be used by anyone. It is not necessary to assume that the principles of today's scientific explanation exhaust the universe of possible causal principles.