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Exploring Free Will vs. Determinism Theories

Delve into the philosophical debate on freedom versus determinism, ranging from hard determinism to soft determinism to the concept of free will. Consider various objections and defenses of free will, agency theory, and philosophical perspectives by renowned scholars like Hume and Baron d’Holbach.

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Exploring Free Will vs. Determinism Theories

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  1. Determinism: All events (including human actions) have specific causes • Baron d’Holbach: the brain is material; its actions (e.g., thought, will) are dictated by physical laws, heredity, and environment (1723-89)

  2. (Hard) Determinism • Behavior is caused by unconscious desires and fears (Freud) or environment and heredity (Skinner). Freedom is an illusion; people are not responsible for their actions—though they can be held responsible for social purposes • Objections: how we can challenge or change our attitudes if we are determined? Why not explain behavior with reasons, not causes?

  3. Hume Compatibilism/Soft Determinism:freedom is compatible with determinism • A “free” act is simply one that is caused (i.e., preceded) by our choice or act of will. We are free when we can do what we want. (free) choice/will/personality cause act external threats/constraints (not free) cause Objection: aren’t choices caused by “external” forces (e.g., genetics, culture, upbringing)?

  4. In Defense of Free Will:Thomas Reid • We are conscious of exerting our wills, deliberating, and thinking of ourselves as free to have done otherwise • If we are not free, regret, guilt, and holding others responsible for actions make no sense (1710-96)

  5. Freedom - Determinism Theories • Indeterminism: like sub-atomic events, free actions are unpredictable, because nothing causes them • Objection: if free human actions are chance or random events, then we could not control our “free” actions or be responsible for them • Agency Theory: our free choices define our selves: this is what we experience (and is what our theory should explain) • Objection: how can “we” be both cause & effect?

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