Soft Determinism Overview and Key Concepts

Questions and Answers

Explain/define soft determinism.

Soft determinism is the belief that human behavior is determined by external factors but free will still exists, claiming that human freedom and moral responsibility are incomprehensible without determinism.

According to soft determinism, what makes an act free?

An act is free unless it has been forced by another person.

What else does a soft determinist state?

All acts are caused, but being caused does not mean being forced or compelled.

What are the two types of causes according to soft determinism?

Internal and external causes. Signup and view all the answers

Define internal cause.

An internal cause is a completely voluntary act of will, where one uses their own free will to do something they want to do. Signup and view all the answers

Define external cause.

An external cause is an involuntary act, forcing you to go against what you wanted to do. Signup and view all the answers

What does the distinction between internal and external causes show?

It shows that a belief in determinism is compatible with free will and moral responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a person acts freely?

It means their actions were not compelled by external pressure, even if they were caused. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Soft Determinism Overview

Coined by William James, soft determinism asserts that while behaviors are influenced by external factors, free will still operates.
Known as "compatibilism," this belief maintains that determinism and free will can coexist harmoniously.
Human freedom and moral responsibility are seen as incomprehensible without an understanding of determinism.

Freedom Under Soft Determinism

Actions are considered free unless they are coerced by another individual.
Soft determinists argue that believing in determinism does not negate the existence of freedom.
The theory posits that universal causation does not eliminate freedom; rather, it exists alongside mental and physical processes.

Choice and Causation

Every choice is influenced by prior causes, but genuine free will persists as long as there’s no external compulsion.
Causation in soft determinism involves being influenced rather than being forcibly directed; choices are made voluntarily.

Types of Causes

Internal causes refer to actions originating from one's own volition or desires.
External causes occur when actions are involuntary, usually dictated by outside pressures or constraints.

Internal Causes

Defined as voluntary acts where individuals use their own free will to make decisions.
Example: Choosing to travel abroad for leisure.

External Causes

Defined as involuntary actions where individuals are compelled to act against their own wishes.
Example: Departing a country due to expulsion by authorities.

Moral Responsibility and Determinism

The distinction between internal and external causes illustrates that determinism supports moral accountability.
Example: Not giving blood out of personal choice reflects moral responsibility; neglecting due to a blood type incompatibility does not imply moral failing.

Free Acts and Causation

Acting freely does not mean actions are uncaused; it signifies the absence of compulsion.
Free agents may have their actions influenced by prior circumstances yet retain the autonomy to choose without external pressure.

Description

Explore the principles of soft determinism, also known as compatibilism, introduced by William James. This quiz delves into how determinism and free will coexist, the nature of human freedom, and the role of choice in causal relationships. Test your understanding of how influences shape decisions while preserving the essence of free will.