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Determinism : All events (including human actions) have specific causes

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). (Hard) Determinism.

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Determinism : All events (including human actions) have specific causes

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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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