Free Will And Moral Responsibility

Question 1

Traditional hard determinism

Answer 1

Based on the concept of universal causation: nothing is random and nothing is free
Adopt the reductionist approach that human behaviour can be reduced to the laws of physics
The apparent lack of cause for some actions is due to ignorance
Apparent freedom to choose is an illusion that Spinoza refers to as ‘dreaming with our eyes open’

Question 2

Psychological behaviourism

Answer 2

This form of determinism was influenced by the early twentieth century studies of Pavlov on canine digestive glands
Watson claimed that humans enter the world as a blank slate and that our behaviour is conditioned by upbringing and experiences
Watson focused on fear but Skinner focused on positive reinforcement

Question 3

Theological determinism

Answer 3

Funds expression in the doctrine of predestination that was developed by Augustine and Calvin
Gods omniscience is understood as causative and so there can be no free choice

Question 4

Libertarianism

Answer 4

Rejects universal causation and claims that there is such a massive hint as the causally undetermined choice. Choices aren’t random but they aren’t predetermined