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Hard determinism claims that humans are free and transcend the laws of nature.
Hard determinism claims that humans are free and transcend the laws of nature.
False
Libertarians reject the idea of determinism in favor of free will.
Libertarians reject the idea of determinism in favor of free will.
True
Libertarians maintain that humans are purely physical systems subject to natural laws.
Libertarians maintain that humans are purely physical systems subject to natural laws.
False
If the original determined person has no free will, then the new randomized person also has free will.
If the original determined person has no free will, then the new randomized person also has free will.
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The principle of free will, as understood by libertarians, is equated with randomness.
The principle of free will, as understood by libertarians, is equated with randomness.
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Quantum randomness alone is sufficient to provide free will according to libertarians.
Quantum randomness alone is sufficient to provide free will according to libertarians.
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According to libertarians, the laws of nature completely determine human behavior.
According to libertarians, the laws of nature completely determine human behavior.
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An example used to illustrate uncaused action involves Mother Teresa throwing a grenade.
An example used to illustrate uncaused action involves Mother Teresa throwing a grenade.
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In the hypothetical scenario, it is stated that Hitler has probabilities assigned to his decisions before he makes them.
In the hypothetical scenario, it is stated that Hitler has probabilities assigned to his decisions before he makes them.
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Agent causation allows individuals to act independently of the probabilities set by physics.
Agent causation allows individuals to act independently of the probabilities set by physics.
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Hard determinists would likely blame someone for an action they could not control.
Hard determinists would likely blame someone for an action they could not control.
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The scenario suggests that producing clones of Hitler would lead to different decisions being made.
The scenario suggests that producing clones of Hitler would lead to different decisions being made.
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Libertarians believe that science can completely predict human behavior.
Libertarians believe that science can completely predict human behavior.
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The experiment involving clones of Hitler is deemed ethical by the narrator.
The experiment involving clones of Hitler is deemed ethical by the narrator.
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The probabilities of Hitler's decisions are 95.0% to invade Poland, 4.9% to invade France, and 0.1% to become a ballet dancer.
The probabilities of Hitler's decisions are 95.0% to invade Poland, 4.9% to invade France, and 0.1% to become a ballet dancer.
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Randomness is said to enhance the concept of freedom according to the content.
Randomness is said to enhance the concept of freedom according to the content.
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Hitler's decision to invade Poland was the result of a single identifiable cause named 'c'.
Hitler's decision to invade Poland was the result of a single identifiable cause named 'c'.
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According to determinism, every action has an earlier cause that stretches back in time.
According to determinism, every action has an earlier cause that stretches back in time.
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The argument presented suggests that individuals have complete free will over their actions.
The argument presented suggests that individuals have complete free will over their actions.
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The reasoning used to analyze actions can also apply to trivial actions, such as laughing at someone.
The reasoning used to analyze actions can also apply to trivial actions, such as laughing at someone.
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Moral blame can still be assigned to individuals if their actions were predetermined.
Moral blame can still be assigned to individuals if their actions were predetermined.
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Physics can predict the future positions of particles based on their previous states and the forces acting on them.
Physics can predict the future positions of particles based on their previous states and the forces acting on them.
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The factors influencing Hitler's decision to invade were entirely within his control.
The factors influencing Hitler's decision to invade were entirely within his control.
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The process of causation is linear and does not involve any complexity or overlapping factors.
The process of causation is linear and does not involve any complexity or overlapping factors.
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Circular definitions are acceptable in philosophical discussions.
Circular definitions are acceptable in philosophical discussions.
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The new definition of a free action requires beliefs and desires to be free of external compulsion.
The new definition of a free action requires beliefs and desires to be free of external compulsion.
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The author believes that deciding to do something can be entirely independent of external influences.
The author believes that deciding to do something can be entirely independent of external influences.
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The term 'compelled' is used in its ordinary sense in the proposed definition of free action.
The term 'compelled' is used in its ordinary sense in the proposed definition of free action.
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A person's desire to complete a book is entirely free from parental influence according to the author.
A person's desire to complete a book is entirely free from parental influence according to the author.
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The author believes that if 'compelled' only means 'caused', then no one ever acts freely.
The author believes that if 'compelled' only means 'caused', then no one ever acts freely.
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Diligence and a love of learning can be considered as external causes influencing one's beliefs and desires.
Diligence and a love of learning can be considered as external causes influencing one's beliefs and desires.
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The statement 'no one is an island' implies that everyone acts entirely independently.
The statement 'no one is an island' implies that everyone acts entirely independently.
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An action is considered free if it is caused in the right way.
An action is considered free if it is caused in the right way.
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According to soft determinism, all actions are free regardless of their causation.
According to soft determinism, all actions are free regardless of their causation.
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Hitler's invasion can be classified as an unfree action.
Hitler's invasion can be classified as an unfree action.
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A free action must be caused by beliefs and desires that were freely chosen.
A free action must be caused by beliefs and desires that were freely chosen.
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An action performed under hypnosis is considered free if it aligns with the hypnotist's desires.
An action performed under hypnosis is considered free if it aligns with the hypnotist's desires.
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Soft determinists have finalized their definition of free actions.
Soft determinists have finalized their definition of free actions.
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The rules of morality assess the freedom of an action based on how it was caused.
The rules of morality assess the freedom of an action based on how it was caused.
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An action can be considered free if it is caused by desires imposed by external forces against one's will.
An action can be considered free if it is caused by desires imposed by external forces against one's will.
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A kleptomaniac is free in the sense that they are not compelled by another person to have their beliefs and desires.
A kleptomaniac is free in the sense that they are not compelled by another person to have their beliefs and desires.
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The definition of a free action suggests that it is caused by external factors rather than internal beliefs and desires.
The definition of a free action suggests that it is caused by external factors rather than internal beliefs and desires.
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First-order desires are desires to have certain first-order desires.
First-order desires are desires to have certain first-order desires.
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If a person’s first-order desires do not align with their second-order desires, those first-order desires flow from who they are.
If a person’s first-order desires do not align with their second-order desires, those first-order desires flow from who they are.
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Hypnotism can create desires that conflict with an individual’s true values and identity.
Hypnotism can create desires that conflict with an individual’s true values and identity.
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A second-order desire is a desire to engage in certain behaviors.
A second-order desire is a desire to engage in certain behaviors.
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The kleptomaniac's thievery may not be considered free if their second-order desire not to steal does not influence their first-order desire to steal.
The kleptomaniac's thievery may not be considered free if their second-order desire not to steal does not influence their first-order desire to steal.
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The notion of 'who you are' is irrelevant in the context of free actions.
The notion of 'who you are' is irrelevant in the context of free actions.
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Study Notes
Free Will and Determinism
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The Problem: Suppose someone is kidnapped and forced to commit terrible murders. Are they morally responsible? The key question is whether they acted of their own free will.
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Determinism: Every event has a cause. This is a fundamental belief in many sciences.
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Free Will: The belief that we have the ability to make choices and that our actions are not predetermined.
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Moral Responsibility: Presupposes that we are free to choose. If forced, individuals are not considered responsible.
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Conflict: The concept of determinism, where every action has a cause, seems to exclude free will. If everything is predetermined, how can we be responsible for our actions?
Quantum Mechanics
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Indeterminism in Physics: Quantum mechanics introduces a degree of randomness or probability into the fundamental laws of physics. This means that precise predictions of the future positions of subatomic particles are impossible.
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Implications for Free Will: If quantum randomness is involved in our actions, this raises the possibility that our behavior is not entirely predetermined. Hard determinists reject this idea, arguing that the very basic components of the universe lack free will and randomness is not free will, therefore our actions must also lack free will. Libertarians might embrace it.
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Role of Quantum Mechanics in the Problem of Free Will: Quantum mechanics itself does not resolve the question of free will. Libertarians, hard determinists, and soft determinists all have differing view that address this question. It presents interesting implications for the interplay of physical laws and human agency.
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Description
Explore the intricate debate between free will and determinism. This quiz delves into moral responsibility, the concept of choice, and the implications of quantum mechanics on our understanding of causality. Can we truly be held accountable for our actions if determinism reigns supreme?