Determinism vs. Indeterminism

• The text discusses the dispute between determinism and indeterminism and how they relate to judgments of regret.

Determinism

• Determinism posits that the universe's parts are fixed, dictating the future without ambiguity.
• The present determines a single, inevitable future.
• The entire universe is interconnected, leaving no room for alternatives.

Indeterminism

• Indeterminism suggests parts of the universe have some "loose play," allowing for multiple possibilities.
• It allows for possibilities that may become impossible only when another possibility becomes real.
• Indeterminism supports pluralism, aligning with the common view that actualities are chosen from a wider range of possibilities.

Determinism vs. Indeterminism

• Determinism believes possibilities exist nowhere, with necessity and impossibility as the only real categories.
• Unrealized possibilities are illusions, as everything was virtually present from eternity.
• The core issue is about the existence of possibilities that may or may not occur.
• Indeterminists believe alternative volitions could occur, while determinists believe only one outcome is possible.

The Role of Facts

• Facts have little influence on whether one is a determinist or indeterminist.
• Both sides use facts to support their views, but their interpretations are subjective.
• Whether considering the predictability of human conduct or the anxiety of life, both sides can find support for their views.
• The division between possibility men and anti-possibility men is due to different faiths or postulates of rationality.
• Preference for determinism stems from antipathy towards the idea of chance.

Chance

• The notion of alternative possibilities are often considered "chance," which is deemed intolerable by determinists.
• Chance is seen as irrational, a threat to intelligibility and law.
• It is feared that even a small amount of chance could lead to chaos.
• Chance is not positive; it is negative and relative, meaning it is disconnected from prior control or necessity.
• Chance does not describe the intrinsic nature of a thing but that its occurrence is not guaranteed by the system.
• The origin of chance is negative; it escapes control and comes as a free gift.

Implications on the Universe

• Some view any disconnect or ambiguity as potentially ruining the universe.
• The question arises whether the independent and accidental character of future human volitions could lead to such consequences.
• The text considers choosing between walking on Divinity Avenue or Oxford Street.
• It posits making the choice twice, each time choosing a different street, and creating two alternative universes.
• Determinists would argue that one of these universes was impossible from eternity due to intrinsic irrationality.
• However, it is difficult to identify which universe is impossible based on outward observation.

Meaning of the Concepts

• Determinism means that no part of the world can absolutely control the destinies of the whole.
• The text has not yet argued for the real existence of chance, only that it seems that way.
• The question of whether the world is one of chance or not is theoretically insoluble.
• The aim is to deepen the understanding of the difference between a world with chances and a deterministic world.

Implications of a Deterministic World

• A deterministic world implies constant judgments of regret.
• People often wish things could be otherwise, even from their limited perspective.
• Regrets can be hard to stifle, especially for acts of cruelty or treachery.
• An example given is the Brockton murder, where the perpetrator's actions and lack of remorse are disturbing.
• From the perspective of determinism, the murder was necessary from eternity, and no alternative was possible.

Deterministic Philosophy Implications

• Admitting alternatives would be a "suicide of reason," necessitating acceptance of the murder.
• The question arises about the nature of the universe if the Brockton murder was predetermined.
• Persisting in judgments of regret implies a pessimistic view; regretting the murder means believing the universe would be better without it.
• Determinism, by denying alternatives, defines the universe as one in which what should be is impossible.
• This is akin to viewing the universe as an organism with an incurable flaw.

Escaping Pessimism

• The deterministic escape from pessimism involves abandoning judgments of regret.
• The devil (evil) may be necessary for a better universe overall.
• Evil can be a condition for a higher form of good.
• Generalizing this view suggests that even events like the Brockton murder have a purpose in the larger scheme of things.
• This aligns with an optimism quand meme, a systematic optimism exemplified by characters in Voltaire's Candide.
• Such optimism can be seen as a grace in religious figures, marked by hope and tenderness.

Consequences of Abandoning Regret

• Cruelty and treachery may even be considered blessings.
• Only a pessimistic soul that gives way to regret, remorse, and grief is seen as blasphemous.
• Deterministic pessimism can turn into deterministic optimism by relinquishing judgments of regret.
• Calling judgments of regret wrong leads to a logical problem, and questions the validity of these judgements.
• If judgments of regret are wrong, judgments of approval should take their place.
• Since everything is necessitated, nothing can change, leaving the universe as a place where what should be seems impossible.
• Actions are freed from evil, but judgments are stuck.
• When negative acts cease to be sins, regrets become absurdities.
• Active and theoretical life enter a seesaw balance on the ground of evil.