Determinism Vs Free Will Unit Objectivesthis Week You Will H ✓ Solved

Determinism Vs Free Willunit Objectivesthis Week You Will Have

Demonstrate knowledge: Contrast the Secular Humanist view of Determinism with Judeo Christian view of Free Will. Different Forms of Determinism and their authors; Predestination, Physical Scientific, Biological & Genetic, Economic/Social, Historical, Psychological; The Principle of Universal Causation; Fatalism.

The Secular Humanist Theory of Determinism is the philosophical idea that is based on a principle called UNIVERSAL CAUSATION that all events, including moral choices, are determined completely by previously existing causes. This includes moral choices over which we have no control. Determinism is at times understood to preclude free will because it entails that humans cannot act otherwise than they do. The opposite of determinism is some kind of indeterminism (nondeterminism). The debate over Free Will and Determinism has a long history and continues to be a significant topic in contemporary philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience.

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Introduction

The philosophical debate between determinism and free will has been a central topic in philosophy, with significant implications for ethics and moral responsibility. Determinism posits that every event, including human actions, is determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws. In contrast, free will suggests that individuals have the power to choose their path independent of external factors. This paper contrasts the Secular Humanist view of determinism with the Judeo-Christian view of free will, explores different forms of determinism, and discusses the broader implications of these theories.

Contrasting Views: Secular Humanism and Judeo-Christian Perspective

The Secular Humanist view of determinism argues that human behavior is determined by physical laws and biological factors, effectively denying the existence of free will. Prominent advocates like B.F. Skinner suggest that individual choices are conditioned by environmental stimuli, biology, and previous experiences (Skinner, 1971). The philosophical underpinnings of this view trace back to the principle of universal causation, where every choice is the result of a chain of prior events. This deterministic perspective undermines the notion of moral accountability, as individuals are seen as products of their circumstances rather than autonomous agents.

Conversely, the Judeo-Christian perspective emphasizes free will as an essential aspect of human nature. According to Catholic doctrine, freedom is a gift from God that enables individuals to choose between good and evil (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1731). This view upholds that humans are not merely biological entities but are endowed with the rational capacity to make ethical decisions. Therefore, individuals are held morally accountable for their actions, and their choices shape their destinies (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1732).

Forms of Determinism

Determinism can take several forms, each presenting a unique perspective on the nature of human agency. These include:

  • Religious Determinism (Predestination): This concept, articulated by John Calvin, asserts that God’s foreknowledge determines the fate of humans, suggesting that salvation or damnation is already predetermined, thus nullifying free will (Calvin, 1536).
  • Physical Science Determinism: As proposed by Sir Isaac Newton, this form suggests that the universe operates under immutable natural laws, positing that human actions are likewise subject to these laws (Newton, 1687).
  • Biological/Genetic Determinism: Championed by Charles Darwin, this perspective holds that inherited traits dictate human behavior, thereby constraining free will (Darwin, 1859).
  • Historical Determinism: Georg Hegel’s theory suggests that historical contexts shape human actions, limiting individual agency through repeatable patterns of history (Hegel, 1807).
  • Economic/Social Determinism: Karl Marx asserts that economic conditions and social class significantly influence human behavior, suggesting that class struggles limit free choice (Marx, 1867).
  • Psychological Determinism: Sigmund Freud proposes that unconscious desires and past experiences determine human actions, positing that many choices are influenced by factors outside of conscious awareness (Freud, 1900).
  • Fatalism: This belief holds that events are fixed in advance and humans have no power to alter their fate. It presents a more nihilistic view of determinism, where all actions are seen as leading to inevitable outcomes (Van Inwagen, 1983).

The Implications of Free Will and Determinism

The implications surrounding the debate of free will versus determinism extend beyond philosophical discourse and delve into the realms of ethics, morality, and legal accountability. If determinism is correct, then the foundation of moral responsibility is undermined, raising questions about punishment and reward. Philosophers like Peter van Inwagen argue that if our actions are predetermined, then it becomes problematic to hold individuals morally responsible for their actions (Van Inwagen, 1983).

On the other hand, the Judeo-Christian view asserts that free will is integral to moral accountability. This perspective posits that with freedom comes the ability to choose good over evil, thereby imbuing human actions with moral significance. This view supports the notion of justice, where individuals are rewarded or punished based on their choices, reinforcing the idea that moral growth and responsibility are achievable (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1736).

Conclusion

The debate between determinism and free will remains a pivotal discussion in philosophical and ethical realms. While the secular humanist view emphasizes determinism, asserting that choices are conditioned by various external factors, the Judeo-Christian perspective upholds the significance of free will and moral responsibility. Understanding these contrasting theories provides insight into human behavior, ethics, and the continuous struggle to reconcile the nature of free will within a deterministic framework.

References

  • B.F. Skinner. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Bantam Books.
  • Calvin, J. (1536). The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles, Westminster John Knox Press.
  • Darwin, C. (1859). On the Origin of Species. John Murray.
  • Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams. Basic Books.
  • Hegel, G. W. F. (1807). The Phenomenology of Spirit. Oxford University Press.
  • Marx, K. (1867). Das Kapital. Penguin Classics.
  • Newton, I. (1687). Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica. Benjamin Motte.
  • Van Inwagen, P. (1983). An Essay on Free Will. Oxford University Press.
  • Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  • O'Rourke, K. (2020). Medical Ethics. Georgetown University Press.

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