Brent M. Jones - Connected Events Matter

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Why is Free Will and Determinism a Philosophy Question

Determinism suggests that everything that happens, including human actions, results from prior causes. Therefore, every event has already been predetermined, and there is no room for individual choice or decision. This view is often associated with scientific determinism, which suggests that the laws of physics determine everything that happens in the world, including human thoughts and actions.

On the other hand, free will suggests that individuals can make their own choices and decisions. This view is often associated with moral responsibility, meaning that individuals are responsible for their actions and should be held accountable. Advocates of free will believe that individuals have the power to shape their destinies and that their choices and activities are not predetermined.

The debate between free will and determinism raises essential ethical and moral issues regarding responsibility, accountability, and the nature of human agency. If everything is predetermined, individuals cannot be held responsible for their actions, as they have no control over them. However, individuals with free will are responsible for their actions and should be held accountable.

While the debate between free will and determinism may never be fully resolved, it remains a fascinating and thought-provoking philosophical discussion topic. It challenges us to consider the nature of human agency and the role that choice and decision-making play in our lives. It also raises important questions about the relationship between science and morality and how scientific knowledge can inform our understanding of human behavior. Ultimately, the question of free will versus determinism is a philosophical inquiry that has far-reaching implications for our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

This overall view doesn’t address a different question, however. Does chance bring choices that can only be deterministic? It's another interesting question that philosophers and scientists have debated for centuries. Some argue that chance plays a significant role in our lives and that our choices are not always predetermined. Others believe that everything is predetermined and that chance is just an illusion. Ultimately, the answer to this question is still unknown and may never be fully understood. However, it's important to remember that we are still in control of our choices, regardless of whether or not chance is involved. So we can choose to make the most of our circumstances and create our destiny.