compatibilism / soft determinism

example of compatibilist

HUME

HUME’s argument for compatibilism

• free if you carry out desires without external influence

  • accepts desires are influenced by external factors

  • but must be EXPRESSED without external influence

internal causes

• voluntary actions

• based on desires

external causes

• involuntary actions of compulsion

• opposing desires

CHURCHLAND

• shouldn’t ask whether we are free

• ask how much control someone has

critiques of compatibilism

• can internal and external causes be separated?

  • peer pressure = external, but desire to conform is internal

• no exact answer given

evidence in support of compatibilism

• people can be held accountable

• fits with legal system

  • holds people accountable

  • diminished responsibility part of legal system

  • trials assess factors

• midway = compatible with God’s qualities