Free Will Vs. Determinism

Question 1

Why is freedom considered a basic human right?

Answer 1

It is considered a basic right because it is treated at the highest value you could have. We appreciate having a choice in what we do i.e. marriage and it is considered to be one of the most important ingredients in having a good life.

Question 2

What does freedom state when making a choice?

Answer 2

Freedom states that we think of several alternatives to a problem and that we pick one of these alternatives.

Question 3

What does the doctrine of free will state?

Answer 3

The doctrine states that that you are able to make a choice out of alternatives without any preceding factors. Which means you could just run away from home, although there would be restrictions to this choice it is considered a valid choice by this doctrine.

Question 4

What do libertarians believe?

Answer 4

Libertarians believe that our sense of freedom is essential in being human.

Question 5

What is determinism?

Answer 5

Determinism states that there is no freedom in the choices that we make and that everything is determined. It follows the principle of universal causality, in which every event (choice) has to be caused by an (human) action. Which makes us question if we ever have a “choice”?

Question 6

In determinism, what is our behaviour linked to?

Answer 6

In determinism, our behaviour is linked to casual chains of causality. Which means if A then B; B then C and so on so forth.

Question 7

If we follow natural laws and physics, how are we not free?

Answer 7

We are not free because of the mind and brain is considered one, then there would be preceding factors in order for the brain to function and would rule out our ordinary understanding in making a choice.

Question 8

How is using physics stretching our understand of free will?

Answer 8

It stretches our understanding of free will because there still much to be proven about the brain and whether it is determined to make choices or not, making our account for an conclusion difficult.

Question 9

How does our “character” support determinism?

Answer 9

Our “character” supports this belief because we know from a person’s influences and personality, we can predict what action they would probably take in a situation and what they unlikely do.

Question 10

What is the theory of psychological determinism?

Answer 10

Psychological determinism dictates that our current thinking are caused by preceding factors. With our decisions being made by our psyche, it tells us that our thinking is determined

Question 11

What does psychological determinism say about character?

Answer 11

It says that many facets of a persons character are fixed, allowing us to rule some actions out, but if we find the fine workings of the minds decision making process, then you would be able to predict everyone’s decisions and make free will obsolete.

Question 12

If all of our choices are determined, why do we feel torn between two options?

Answer 12

We feel torn because the second choice is an illusion. Making us see that there was only ever one choice we would psychologically make.

Question 13

What is a problem with determinism?

Answer 13

Determinism would take away our concept of moral responsibility. Since our choices are predetermined, we cannot take blame, credit or have responsibility over our actions. This would cause major implications towards humanity.

Question 14

If free will is less likely, how does our perception on the world change?

Answer 14

It changes because we find little appeal in the world if all our choices are determined.

Question 15

What is compatibilism?

Answer 15

Compatibilism states that even though all our actions are determined, the illusion of free will is still necessary. Which gives us the entitlement to responsibility.

Question 16

What does compatibilism say about decision making?

Answer 16

It says that even though our choice is determined, we still need to go through a process of weighing alternatives and rational thinking in order to make a choice. This means we need to exercise our illusory free will, letting fund a place in determinism

Question 17

What does compatibilism say about responsibility?

Answer 17

Compatibilism says that since our character and personality shape the way our brains process things, that we should be held responsible for our actions. We need to be praised or punished for our actions as our character determines these actions. Which makes more sense the the libertarian point if view about how responsibility comes from complete freedom.

Question 18

What does free will and determinism influence most?

Answer 18

They both influence our morality and how we treat people the most as we tend to see people as victims of their actions if we lean more into the deterministic point of view. Although punishment could still be used to influence the chain,it is still a determined action

Question 19

What principle does the capacity of moral judgement rest upon?

Answer 19

The principle is that human beings chose their actions and that we are free to act upon our choice.

Question 20

How would determinism affect our sense of who we are?

Answer 20

The way determinism affects our sense of who we are is making us realise that we were determined to commit to all these good deeds or cause strife with evil which causes the notion of what’s right and wrong to be obsolete. Compatibilism says it’s our character programming that makes us good or evil and thus we should let this notion still exist.

Question 21

What is our entire law system based upon?

Answer 21

The law system is based upon the notion that we have free will. It states that we are responsible for our choices and if you prove otherwise, the any charges on you will be dropped.

Question 22

What does the legal system also have to establish besides we have made a voluntary choice?

Answer 22

The legal system also has to establish we were in the right “sound mind” when making that choice. Meaning, you had no clue what the consequences would be.