The possibility of free will has been discussed for a very long time. Similarly, the question whether our world is determined has been discussed for an equally long time. It did not take long until the discussion united both aspects and the question whether free will and determinism could both be true at the same time or if they excluded one another was asked.
This paper will argue in favor of free will by presenting arguments in favor as well as disprove some of the arguments against it. In the next step, determinism will be criticized and arguments that are regularly brought forward to defend determinism will be proven wrong. We will then examine whether compatibilism could still be true, but this will only prove to be the final nail in the coffin for determinism. Being free in our actions and being able to change and influence the world around us is at first glance a rather intuitive position. However, this essay will back up our intuition by analyzing different arguments in favor and against the different components.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Free Will
- The strengths of Free Will
- A Defence of Free Will
- Determinism - A weak position
- Are Free Will and Determinism compatible?
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to defend the existence of free will against common arguments against it. It will examine the strengths of free will, critique determinism and explore the possibility of compatibility between the two concepts.
- The nature of free will
- Arguments for and against free will
- Critique of determinism
- Compatibilism between free will and determinism
- The role of intuition and subjective experience in understanding free will
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The paper introduces the debate on free will and determinism, outlining its focus on defending free will.
- Free Will: This chapter delves into the strengths of free will, arguing that it is essential for human dignity, decision-making, and personal responsibility. It emphasizes the role of intuition and subjective experience in supporting the belief in free will.
- Determinism - A weak position: This chapter criticizes determinism by examining and refuting common arguments used to defend it.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the concepts of free will and determinism, exploring arguments for and against their existence and potential compatibility. It emphasizes the role of intuition, subjective experience, and personal responsibility in understanding free will.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Sailer (Author), 2021, Free Will and Determinism. Are both just an illusion or do they hold some truth?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1176122
