Determinism Flashcards
John Locke - free will is an illusion
John Locke: Locke argued that free will is an illusion, as all knowledge comes from experience, limiting human certainty and scope. He distinguished between voluntary actions (caused by will, e.g., raising an arm to speak) and involuntary actions (caused by external forces, e.g., muscle convulsion). While he initially saw the will as determined, he later acknowledged that occasional shifts in desire could influence it, leaning toward soft determinism. Locke questioned the intelligibility of free will, stating that true freedom isn’t about choice but about having the power to act. He concluded that the concept of free will is unresolvable; instead, freedom is about being able to act on one’s will.
Concepts of determinism - hard + soft
Hard Determinism: This view is linked to causality, where every event in the universe is seen as the result of prior causes and natural laws. Human choices are not free but are determined by pre-existing conditions. The feeling of free will is considered an illusion. In this view, ethical judgments lose meaning because actions are simply the result of prior causes. Hard determinism contrasts with fatalism, which suggests events are destined regardless of human actions, and predestination, which focuses on God’s choice of salvation or damnation for souls, allowing some free will within a divine framework.
Synopsis of the story?
Synopsis: Locke presents a scenario where a man is locked in a room with someone he desires to see, unaware of his inability to leave. He stays voluntarily, but he never had the option to leave. Locke argues that liberty is not simply about preference or volition, but the actual power to act as one desires. Even if the man is happy to stay, his choice isn’t free because he lacked the ability to leave. Locke asserts that freedom involves having control over actions, not just the desire to act. In determinism, actions are pre-determined, so true freedom isn’t present in willing actions.
Scientific determinism?
Scientific Determinism: This theory asserts that human behavior is primarily controlled by genetics, with a person’s traits, health, and actions determined from conception. It denies free will, suggesting that individuals lack control over their behavior, thus not being responsible for their actions. Studies, like the Human Genome Project, show a correlation between certain genes and behaviors, such as criminality, addiction, and mental disorders. For example, a study linked two genes to violent behavior, and another tied genetic variations to autism and mental health disorders. However, the impact of genetics on behaviors like addiction is difficult to separate from environmental factors. Biological determinism supports the idea of genetic fixity, which undermines personal responsibility and leads to genetic fatalism.
Psychological determinism?
Psychological Determinism: This theory suggests that human behavior is shaped by external factors like conditioning and reinforcement, rather than internal factors like genetics. Behaviorism, particularly classical conditioning, demonstrates how behavior is learned through associations. Pavlov’s dog experiments showed that dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell, and Watson’s Little Albert experiment demonstrated that emotions could be conditioned. B.F. Skinner expanded on this with operant conditioning, where behavior is reinforced by rewards or punishments. Psychological determinism denies free will, proposing that actions result from conditioning rather than conscious choice. Some neuroscientists, like Benjamin Libet, support this view, claiming that brain activity precedes conscious decisions, implying free will is an illusion.
Soft determinism?
Soft Determinism (Compatibilism): This theory seeks to reconcile hard determinism (everything is determined) and libertarianism (complete free will). It argues that while our actions are determined, we are still free as long as they are caused by our choices, not external forces. Freedom, for soft determinists, means the ability to act according to our desires without coercion. Ayer’s example illustrates that freedom comes from actions being caused by our will, not from compulsion. Soft determinism allows for moral responsibility, unlike hard determinism, as we are free when not constrained.
Modern soft determinism?
Modern Soft Determinism: Recent theories challenge the view that freedom means no constraints. Vardy argues that understanding conditioning and genetics increases freedom by allowing self-determination. Kane adds that making rational decisions between equally strong alternatives shows control over one’s actions, even if external factors are present. Dennett views intelligence as the key to freedom, with the ability to foresee future possibilities to avoid undesired outcomes. Hobbes believed in freedom within necessity, seeing human actions as determined but still free if unimpeded. Ayer agrees with classical soft determinism, asserting that freedom is about acting voluntarily without coercion or internal constraints. He outlines three conditions for freedom: the ability to act otherwise, not being compelled, and voluntary action free from internal constraints.
