Freedom and Determinism

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions from the freedom and determinism debate, including theories like hard determinism, soft determinism, and libertarianism.

Hard Determinism

The view that we are determined, not free, and not moral agents.

Soft Determinism

Also called compatibilism; the view that we are determined, but we are free, making us moral agents.

Libertarianism

The belief that we are not determined, so we are free and therefore moral agents.

Compatibilism

The theory that suggests free will and determinism can coexist; a person is free if not externally compelled.

Moral Agent

An individual who can be held morally responsible for their actions.

Free Act

An action performed without external coercion, often reflecting one's inner wishes or desires.

Unfree Act

An action performed under external coercion or where external factors dictate behavior.

Conditional Analysis of Freedom

The idea that a person has the power to act freely if their choices align with their internal desires.

Determinism

The philosophical doctrine that all events are determined completely by previously existing causes.

Free Will

The ability to choose differently under identical circumstances; the concept central to moral responsibility.