Determinism Flashcards
Determinism
A theory which states that all events are caused or predetermined by antecedent conditions. It follows the universal laws of causality.
Causality
The belief that every event is caused by the event that came before it. ‘If A then B; if B then C’
Psychological Determinism
All psychological states are caused by antecedent psychological states. If all choices are causally determined, that means that there is one decision which could have been made in any given situation.
If all psychological details are known about the mind, we can predict what someone will do.
Economic/Cultural Determinsm
People are a result of their economic circumstances. ‘Life is not determined by conciousness, conciousness is determined by life.’ (Karl Marx)
Economic determinism is a form of cultural determinism which suggests that actions are predetermined by a variety of factors such as race, religion, nationality and gender.
Hard Determinism
A belief that all human behaviour follows stricly the laws of causation and that there is no room for free will - it is outright denied
Indeterminism
The belief that events happen without reason and are random. Studies into Qunatam Physics reveal the laws of causation do not apply on sub-atomic levels – everything is down to chance and probability rather than predictable, ordered patterns.
Compatibilism
Also known as soft determinism. The middle ground which accepts both free will and determinism. Does not allow for actual freedom. Compatibilists claim that the illusion of free will is necessary and that we need be held responsible for our moral actions. Compatibilists also claim that we must take responsibility of both our good actions and our bad actions because they are a part of our character.
Fatalism
the view that regardless what course of action people choose, particular outcomes are inevitable.
Predestination
the idea that a single God has created and caused in advance, every event in the universe.
