Ethics: Libertarianism

Libertarianism

Despite powerful influences of genetics, environment, etc. human beings are free moral agents.

What does Libertarianism reject?

Universal causation

Rejection of universal causation

There is such a thing as the causally undetermined choice; choices are not random but are not predetermined.

What do Libertarians accept?

- Our bodies are subject to causal laws

- Nature & nurture may exert strong and occasionally overwhelming influence on our moral decisions

BUT these are not necessarily determinant

What do Libertarians distinguish between?

The personality & the moral self

Personality

Consists of character and temperament, due to upbringing & environment

Moral self

Decision between self-interest & duty, so may go against the tendencies of personality

Libertarianism Support

Comes from experience of making choices that sometimes go against our personal desires/regretting decisions

Libertarian view of free will

Cannot be proved, but is accepted as a contingent truth

Contingent truth

Things which cannot be proved true, but are generally accepted on grounds of probability

Problem with Libertarianism

Difficult to know exactly how brain is able to act freely/what part is involved

Libertarianism quote - LaFave

"Effort of the will is an illusion only if you deny your own experience."