Free Will Debate: Libertarianism and Determinism
The debate over free will is widely
discussed and recognized. Whether it’s during Philosophy class or during
everyday life. What determines ones’ actions?
To better understand this debate knowing the difference
between Libertarians and Determinist is essential. Determinism: states that
human being lack free will; all of our actions are either caused by earlier
psychological or some physical defect. This can be described as, our actions are
all predetermined because as humans we haven’t developed the ability to decide
on our own actions and act on our preconceived thoughts. Libertarianism: states
that human beings have more responsibilities due to the fact that we have Free Will. This can be described as human
beings being able to alter one’s life. History showed that the views of
Libertarians also include, external causes can affect our actions
BOTH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL FACTORS AFFECT US!
Hard Determinism denies
that free will and moral responsibility exist. On the other hand Soft Determinism tries to preserve
moral responsibility by redefining free will so it means caused by ones beliefs
and desires.
I,
personally, agree with Libertarians. I believe they have a more plausible
argument. The reason behind this belief comes from the knowledge that all human
beings have recognition of what it is that they are doing. There are times, in
which this can be contradicted, for example, being under the influence. They
might not realize their behavior but that isn’t a daily effect. There’s no
possible way that all our actions are already determined and planned beforehand.
HUMANS HAVE FREE WILL!
A)
Libertarians have more explanatory breadth because
no one being reacts the same to situations. Spontaneous actions lead up to how
one will portray their feelings.
B)
Libertarians hold more explanatory depth. We
tend to handle situations on what is best at the moment. For example, if Ashley
isn’t getting the job done we tend to take it in our own hands. Libertarians
act according to how they are feeling. Determinist act on how they’ve already handle
a situation.
C)
Libertarians have more conservatism because of
how spontaneous their actions can be. Depending on the surroundings and the
situation, human beings have free will and have a better understanding of
common sense.
D)
Determinist has more simplicity than
Libertarians. If all actions are predetermined they are not capable of making
spontaneous decisions or even “thinking outside the box”. Also without making
decisions based on ones feelings will eliminate any error. According to the
definition, Determinist has a set path in which they must follow.
1.
Libertarianism and Determinism are the most
plausible explanation of how human beings act.
2.
Libertarians have much more explanatory breadth
and explanatory breadth, whereas, Determinist have more simplicity
3.
Therefore, Libertarianism is the best
explanation of how human beings act.
I disagree with you about libertarians having more explanatory depth, Libertarians don't explain to us why such behaviors happen to humans, therefore they aren't the right choice for explanatory depth.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of simplicity, I do agree with you in that determinism holds more simplicity than libertarianism. However, I believe this for a different reason. In this debate, simplicity can be defined as the theory that has fewer parts or assumptions, making less room for hidden errors. It is correct that determinism has more simplicity; however, I believe this because determinism has less parts to it than libertarianism. Determinists believe that our actions are only determined through external sources; whereas, libertarians believe that our actions are determined through free will as well as external causes. Since libertarianism has more parts to it than determinism, it is less simple. In other words, rather than focusing on the definition of each theory in terms of simplicity, I believe one should merely focus on how many parts or assumptions it has.
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