Freedom and Determinism Debate

These flashcards cover key concepts in the freedom and determinism debate, including definitions and relationships between different philosophical positions.

Hard Determinism

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

Soft Determinism

Also known as compatibilism, the view that we are determined but still free, allowing for moral agency.

Libertarianism

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

Compatibilism

The idea that free will and determinism can coexist, allowing one to be free while being determined.

Moral Responsibility

The status of being accountable for one's actions, which can be influenced by the concepts of freedom and determinism.

Conditional Analysis of Freedom

The notion that if an agent had wanted to perform an action, they would have done it, thereby linking their choices and freedom.

Free Acts

Actions where individuals had a choice and were not externally compelled.

Unfree Acts

Actions where individuals did not have a choice due to external forces or coercion.

Immediate Causes of Action

The psychological states that drive an individual to act freely.

External Causes of Action

States of affairs outside the individual that compel or force action, resulting in a lack of freedom.