- Published: December 20, 2021
- Updated: December 20, 2021
- University / College: University of Virginia
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 12
Freewill and Determinism Lecturer In this document, the examines whether or not determinism and freewill exist, and if the two are compatible. The discussion is based on a dialogue between Frederick, a free-wilist; Daniel, a Determinist and Carolyn, a Compatibilist. Based on the discussion, Daniel and Carolyn argue that all things that happen have an underlying cause. However, unlike Daniel, Carolyn believes that people have a freewill hence should be held accountable for their actions. Frederick on the other hand argues that all things that happen are not pre-determined and hence for him, determinism is not true and therefore not all actions have an underlying cause. In the end, the three fail to agree on whether determinism and freewill exist, and whether they are compatible. Each has its own views on this matter.
Based on the arguments above, it is clear that the author wanted to show the controversy freewill and determinism. By reading the book, readers are able to see the never ending nature of the free-will debate. The author takes the readers into the minds of the determinists, Compatibilist and free-willists through the dialogue. In addition, the author successfully shows the multidisciplinary nature of this debate. Based on the dialogue, the author highlights how subjects such as physics, philosophy, psychology, sociology and many others come into this debate. In particular, the author uses this dialogue to show whether or not people have control over what they do and whether they should be held responsible for their actions. Unfortunately, the book is not in itself conclusive on this debate, and much is left to the readers to interpret and analyze.
Reference
Williams, C (1980). Free Will and Determinism: A Dialogue. Hackett Publishing.
