Free Will and Determinism II PDF

Summary

This document discusses arguments for and against hard determinism. It details different philosophical concepts of free will and determinism. It also discusses the concept of moral responsibility.

Full Transcript

Free Will and Determinism II Hard Determinism (HD): Every event has a cause, so nobody ever does anything freely. (Accepts PUC; denies FWT) Argument from the Feeling of Freedom 1. Sometimes we feel that we're acting freely. 2. If sometimes we feel that we're acting freely, th...

Free Will and Determinism II Hard Determinism (HD): Every event has a cause, so nobody ever does anything freely. (Accepts PUC; denies FWT) Argument from the Feeling of Freedom 1. Sometimes we feel that we're acting freely. 2. If sometimes we feel that we're acting freely, then sometimes we are acting freely. 3. If sometimes we are acting freely, then HD is false. 4. Therefore, HD is false. [1,2,3 MMP] Argument from Choice 1. Sometimes we do what we choose to do. 2. If sometimes we do what we choose to do, then sometimes we act freely. 3. If sometimes we are acting freely, then HD is false. 4. Therefore, HD is false. [1,2,3 MMP] Argument from Drive Resistance 1. Sometimes we resist our passions. 2. If sometimes we resist our passions, then sometimes we act freely. 3. If sometimes we act freely, then HD is false. 4. Therefore, HD is false. [1,2,3 MMP] : MR1: If S is either praiseworthy or blameworthy for A, then S is morally responsible for A. MR 2: If S is morally responsible for A, then S could have done something other than A. Be able to distinguish the concept of causal responsibility from that of moral responsibility. Argument from Moral Responsibility 1. Sometimes we are morally responsible for our actions. 2. If sometimes we are morally responsible for our actions, then sometimes we act freely. 3. If sometimes we act freely, then HD is false. 4. Therefore, HD is false. [1,2,3 MMP] Be able to PEE each of these arguments against Hard Determinism, which of course requires that you be able to: Write these arguments down in valid form Define the relevant technical terminology contained in each Provide strong rationales for each of the premises Evaluate the arguments Provide a Hard Determinist's evaluation of these arguments e is a volition =df. e is an act of choosing, deciding, or willing to do something. e is a standard volition =df. e is a volition, and e is caused by the beliefs and desires of the agent. A is a voluntary action =df. A is an action that is caused by a standard volition. Typical Soft Determinism (TSD): A. Every event has a cause. (PUC) B. There are some voluntary actions. (Something akin to a SD's FWT.) C. People are morally responsible for their own voluntary actions, as well as for the consequences of : those actions. Be able to explain why Typical Soft Determinism doesn't seem to capture the nature of A.J. Ayer's theory of Soft Determinism. :

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