Free Will and Determinism Flashcards
Outline the theory of (causal) determinism -
Human beings do not make free choices and all actions are determined. This is because every event is caused by the event that happened before it.
What is the main problem with determinism?
If everything is determined, then people cannot be blamed for their actions and thus cannot be punished/praised.
Do Libertarians believe in determinism or free will?
Libertarians believe in free will.
What is the concept of free will?
That human beings make free choices.
What can be used to argue for free will?
Whenever we resist our strongest desire.
We make a moral decision whenever we resist our strongest desire, and making a moral choice is acting freely.
Which concept (out of free will and determinism) allows us to be responsible for our actions?
Free will.
What is the issue with the theory of causal determinism?
Since our mind is not physical, it doesn’t make sense to associate it with the causal law that all actions are caused by the actions before them.
What form of determinism is the solution to the problem with causal determinism (in terms of the human mind)?
Psychological determinism.
Outline the theory of psychological determinism -
All our decisions are caused by factors in our psychological state. We will always make the decision that our experiences and personality are wired to make.
What is the free will/determinism problem?
We unable to prove that we have free will, but the problem with determinism is that it means we can’t be held responsible for what we do.
Does psychological determinism solve the free will/determinism problem?
No, as we cannot be held responsible for our actions.
What theory has been proposed to solve the free will/determinism problem?
Compatibilism.
Outline the theory of compatibilism -
Free will and determinism are compatible, the decisions we make were always going to happen, but it is the decision making process leading up to it that exercises our free will.
Does compatibilism mean we be responsible for our actions? How?
Yes, our illusion of free choice means we still have responsibility.
Does compatibilism solve the free will/determinism problem?
Yes. (However this can be a matter of opinion so it’s up to you.)
