Free Will Debate

Libertarianism is the view that humans have free will; as opposed to hard determinism which states humans lack free will. Libertarianism is the more plausible of the two views to me because although I am a spiritual person I don’t necessarily believe in god. If our actions were pre-determined for us life would have no meaning to us we would be pawns in a greater game. I’d like to believe that we are put on this earth to make our own choices. Nothing is definite in the future just because it happened once doesn’t mean it will happen again so why should we believe that our actions are predetermined if we have the ability to change the future.

Explanatory Breadth: Libertarianism can explain more of human actions then determinism. Humans are constantly doing things that could be seen as evil and malicious; so why would god choose for that to happen in the world?  Humans must have their own free will or else we wouldn’t be able to help stop the things plaguing us like cancer and other diseases. We choose to help others because of free will.

 Explanatory Depth: Once again libertarianism can explain more thoroughly human actions. It can explain human actions in the sense that we can’t explain human actions! Libertarianism gives a reason for the things we can’t explain or justify. It is through free will that people make decisions we cannot understand.

Simplicity: Although determinism can be a scapegoat for human actions libertarianism leaves less room for argument; if we can conclude that people choose their own paths we can stop questioning why god would place evil upon us. Libertarianism leaves much less room for debate then determinism. There are three strong criticisms for why determinism can be adjusted but none for libertarianism.

Conservatism: We can better justify today’s beliefs in science with libertarianism. Although religion is still prevalent in today’s society people are much more open to hearing the facts of science; because we have learned over time that they are the facts. There are miracles that come to play in this world but god cannot fix a flat on the high way for you free will lets someone use the kindness inside to pull over and help. Along with the argument of science god cannot come and help you when you are wounded. It is trained professionals that use science to help heal you.

Libertarianism is the most plausible explanations of human causes. Libertarianism has much more explanatory depth and conservatism whereas Determinism leaves much room for debate. Therefore, Libertarianism is the best explanation of human causes.