Determinism and Free Will
36 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What characterizes a deterministic system?

  • Events are caused by previous events according to fixed laws. (correct)
  • Events are predetermined but not caused by prior events.
  • Events occur randomly without cause.
  • Events are influenced solely by human choice.

Why do some argue that determinism implies a lack of free will?

  • Humans have no ability to reason their choices.
  • All actions are preordained by a higher power.
  • Choices are often made impulsively without reflection.
  • Every choice results from uncontrollable prior causes. (correct)

Which concept suggests that free will is not necessarily linked to the ability to choose differently?

  • Causal determinism.
  • Principle of alternate possibilities.
  • Moral responsibility.
  • Frankfurt's argument. (correct)

What is a common belief among compatibilists regarding free will?

<p>Free will means acting according to one's own motivations despite prior causes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What objection does Strawson face regarding moral responsibility?

<p>We are responsible for our actions based on our desires. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Strawson respond to the objection about moral responsibility?

<p>We lack control over the characterization of our actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What shift in focus does Patricia Churchland suggest regarding moral responsibility?

<p>From free will to self-control. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the principle of alternate possibilities?

<p>Individuals always have the ability to act differently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Churchland's focus on self-control differ from the traditional understanding of responsibility?

<p>It considers limitations due to neurological disorders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary conclusion drawn from Libet’s experiments regarding free will?

<p>Unconscious processes determine our actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one critique of the conclusion that the Libet experiments disprove free will?

<p>They are based on inaccurate timing of conscious awareness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Divine Command Theory?

<p>What is right and wrong is defined by God’s commands. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of the Euthyphro dilemma?

<p>It questions the nature of divine commands and goodness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is made in the argument for moral relativism?

<p>Different cultures can hold differing moral codes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key objection to the premise that different cultures' moral codes imply moral relativism?

<p>Moral codes may still share underlying principles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the conclusion drawn from the analogy between female genital mutilation (FGM) and diet culture?

<p>Both practices reflect societal pressures and harm individuals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between FGM and diet culture?

<p>Diet culture does not cause physical harm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critique of the premise that life has no meaning without an intelligent designer?

<p>Individuals can create their own meaning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument against the idea that only pre-determined purposes can provide life's meaning?

<p>Existentialism argues for self-created purpose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of decisions were primarily involved in Libet’s experiments?

<p>Spontaneous and simple movements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the conflict in the argument about the significance of moral codes across cultures?

<p>Cultural practices differ but moral truths may be similar. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of Divine Command Theory?

<p>It does not account for human moral reasoning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Nagel argue about the significance of our actions concerning future relevance?

<p>Current actions retain significance independent of their future impact. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between intrinsic value and instrumental value?

<p>Intrinsic value is valued in itself, while instrumental value helps achieve something else. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What problem does Baggini raise regarding future goals and their relation to meaning?

<p>Future goals often distract from present experiences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Baggini suggest about the potential harm of well-intentioned actions?

<p>Unintentional harm can arise even with good intentions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the idea of autonomy conflict with the purpose of helping others?

<p>It prioritizes others' goals over individual freedom. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What objection does one have to the premise that evolutionary theory implies purpose in survival?

<p>Evolution lacks inherent goals or intentions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it incorrect to say an individual human's purpose is solely tied to species survival?

<p>Life’s meaning is subjective and multifaceted. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of life does Nagel indicate contributes to the sense of absurdity?

<p>The contradiction between the desire for meaning and life’s lack of objective purpose. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might deriving meaning solely from future goals lead to instability?

<p>The outcomes of our actions are unpredictable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of equating helping others with life's purpose?

<p>Limits personal growth and autonomy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an implication of viewing intrinsic value in life?

<p>Certain experiences can be valued for their own sake. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does instrumental value primarily differ from intrinsic value?

<p>Instrumental value holds worth because of its outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements does NOT reflect Baggini's viewpoint on helping others?

<p>Aid should always come before respecting autonomy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Baggini suggest affects the pursuit of life meaning when focusing solely on future goals?

<p>A diminished appreciation for current experiences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Deterministic system

A system where every event is caused by previous events following fixed natural laws.

Free will vs. Determinism

The debate whether our choices are predetermined or if we have genuine freedom to choose otherwise.

Principle of Alternate Possibilities

The idea that for an action to be free, a person must have been able to do otherwise.

Frankfurt's argument

Free will can exist even without the ability to choose otherwise if actions align with one's desires and reasoning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Compatibilism

The belief that free will and determinism are compatible; you can act freely even if your actions are causally determined.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moral Responsibility (Strawson)

The view that we are not ultimately responsible for our actions because our choices are determined.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Strawson's Objection

Even if we are not responsible for our desires, we can still be held accountable for actions stemming from them.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Churchland's approach

Shifting focus from free will to self-control to understand moral responsibility.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Existentialism

Meaning comes from authentic living and personal responsibility, not from external purposes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nagel's Absurdity

Conflict between desire for meaning and life's lack of objective purpose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intrinsic Value

Something valuable for its own sake, regardless of consequences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Instrumental Value

Something valuable because it helps achieve something else valuable.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Future Goal Meaning

Meaning derived solely from achieving future goals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Uncertain Goals

Meaning derived from achieving future goals, but goals can fail or be unpredictable.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Present Fulfillment

Meaning found in present experiences (relationships, growth).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Helping Others as Purpose

Meaning derived solely from helping others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unintentional Harm

Well-intentioned help can cause unintended harm.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Autonomy

Respect for individual choices and goals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolutionary Purpose (Premise 1)

Evolution's goal is species survival.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Individual Purpose vs. Evolution (Premise 2)

Individual purpose mirrors the evolution's purpose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolutionary Process

Random mutations and natural selection drive evolution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objection to Premise 1 (Evolution)

Evolution has no inherent purpose, it's a process.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objection to Premise 2 (Individual Purpose)

Evolutionary purpose doesn't dictate individual purpose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Churchland's approach to responsibility

Focuses on the capacity for self-control rather than free will. Examines if a person could have regulated their behavior, considering extenuating factors like illness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Libet experiments and free will

Brain activity (readiness potential) precedes conscious decision to act, suggesting actions are determined by unconscious processes, not conscious choice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objection to Libet's free will claim

Measurement of conscious decision-making timing may be inaccurate and findings only apply to simple actions, not complex choices.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Divine Command Theory

Moral rightness/wrongness determined by God's commands.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objection to Divine Command Theory

Euthyphro dilemma: Does God command things because they're good, or are they good because God commands them?

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moral Relativism (Premise 1)

Different moral codes in different cultures doesn't automatically mean morality is relative.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Argument from Analogy (FGM vs. Diet Culture)

Both FGM and diet culture harmful, imposed, cause harm; therefore, diet culture is similarly heinous.

Signup and view all the flashcards

FGM vs. Diet Culture: Dissimilarity 1

FGM involves direct, physical alteration of the body; diet culture primarily influences behavior, attitudes via persuasion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

FGM vs. Diet Culture: Dissimilarity 2

FGM is illegal in many places; diet culture socially accepted or encouraged in others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objection to meaning-from-design argument

Meaning and purpose don't require an intelligent designer; personal goals/beliefs/actions can provide meaning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Alternative Sources of Meaning

Meaning can come from individual choices, relationships, and contributions to society.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objection to predetermined purpose

People create their own meaning; meaning is not defined by God or evolution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Existentialist View on Meaning

Life has no inherent purpose; individuals create their own meaning and purpose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Meaning and purpose

Sources of meaning and purpose can be personal, social, and subjective.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Deterministic Systems and Free Will

  • A deterministic system is one where every event has a cause determined by prior events and fixed natural laws.
  • Some argue that if determinism is true, free will is impossible because all choices are predetermined.
  • The principle of alternate possibilities states that if someone acts freely, they could have chosen otherwise.
  • Critics of this principle argue that free will doesn’t necessarily require alternate possibilities,
  • The idea of compatibilism is that free will means acting on your own motivations, even if those motivations are predetermined.

Objections to Determinism and Free Will

  • Objection to Premise 1 (Alternate Possibilities): Frankfurt argues free will doesn't need alternate possibilities; actions align with desires and reasoning.
  • Objection to Premise 2 (Determinism): Compatibilism argues determinism doesn't rule out free will; free will is acting on your motivated desires.
  • Strawson's Objection: Moral responsibility rests on factors outside our control, since the ability to act differently depends on different starting points, which can't be chosen.
  • Strawson's Response: True moral responsibility is impossible to achieve because it requires starting conditions to be different.
  • Churchland's Alternative: Moral responsibility depends on self-control (how we regulate behavior) rather than free will.
    • Example: Tourette's syndrome; free will unhelpful, focus on self-control, can differentiate responsibility limits by illness and self-control.

Libet Experiments & Free Will

  • Inference to the Best Explanation: Libet's experiments show brain activity (readiness potential) precedes conscious decision-making.
  • Inference: This suggests conscious will isn’t the cause of actions, unconscious processes are.

Objections to Libet Experiments

  • Timing of Consciousness: Libet's measurements of "feeling" decisions may be inaccurate; conscious decision-making and reported awareness might not match.
  • Scope of Results: The experiments concern simple motions, not complex choices relevant to moral choices or meaning.

Divine Command Theory

  • Divine Command Theory: Morality is determined by God's commands.
  • Objection (Euthyphro Dilemma): Does God command things because they are good, or are they good because God commands them? The arbitrariness of morality if good depends solely on God's command.

Moral Relativism

  • Argument for Moral Relativism: Different cultures have different moral codes, so morality varies cross-culturally
  • Objection to Premise 1: Different moral codes don't always imply a difference in morality. Common moral principles underlie different practices.

Harm and Relevance (FGM and Diet Culture)

  • Argument from Analogy: FGM and diet culture are similarly harmful, imposed, and driven by societal pressure.
  • Relevant Similarities: Both involve harmful practices imposed on individuals, often without full consent, and cause significant physical and psychological harm.
  • Relevant Dissimilarities: FGM is physically invasive, and legally challenged; diet culture is socially accepted and operates within a different context.

Meaning and Purpose (Intelligent Designer Argument)

  • Argument For Lack of Meaning: Without an intelligent designer, life lacks purpose.
  • Objection to Premise 1: Meaning and purpose can be self-created, derived from personal goals or social contributions, independent of a designer.

Objections to Predetermined Meaning

  • Self-Determined Purpose: Meaning can be created from personal choices and experiences, not solely from pre-determined purposes.
  • Existentialist View: Life has no inherent meaning; individuals create their own purpose through actions and experiences.

Nagel's Absurdity

  • Rejection of Time-Based Absurdity: Life's insignificance in a million years isn't the source of absurdity; actions matter in the present and in their particular context.
  • Inherent Absurdity: The absurdity comes from a conflict between our desire for meaning with the absence of absolute purpose in life

Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Value

  • Intrinsic Value: Value in and of itself; valued for its own sake. e.g., Happiness, love.
  • Instrumental Value: Value in achieving something else; used as a means. e.g., Money.

Problems with Future-Based Meaning

  • Uncertainty of Achieving Goals: Meaning based on future goals is uncertain and unstable; failure or unforeseen circumstances undermine purpose.
  • Ignoring Present Fulfillment: Focusing on future goals neglects present experiences; meaning arises from living in the present.

Problems with Helping Others as the Purpose

  • Unintentional Harm: Actions intended to help can unintentionally harm others; consequences matter.
  • Value of Autonomy: Focusing on helping others overlooks individual choice and goal-setting.

Evolutionary Purpose and Individual Meaning

  • Objection to Premise 1 (Evolutionary Purpose): Evolution is a natural process with no inherent purpose; species survival is a consequence, not a goal.
  • Objection to Premise 2 (Individual Purpose): Evolutionary purpose of a species doesn’t automatically equate to an individual’s life purpose; meaning and purpose can be sought through various domains, not just survival.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Explore the philosophical debate surrounding determinism and the concept of free will. This quiz delves into key arguments, including compatibilism and objections to traditional premises. Test your understanding of how determinism interacts with our notions of choice and agency.

More Like This

Philosophy: Free Will and Determinism
30 questions

Philosophy: Free Will and Determinism

LikableStonehenge avatar
LikableStonehenge
Philosophy: Free Will vs Determinism
6 questions

Philosophy: Free Will vs Determinism

UserReplaceableMaroon7920 avatar
UserReplaceableMaroon7920
Philosophy of Free Will and Determinism
16 questions

Philosophy of Free Will and Determinism

ExcitedTucson avatar
ExcitedTucson
Philosophy of Free Will and Determinism
31 questions

Philosophy of Free Will and Determinism

FortuitousIndium avatar
FortuitousIndium
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser