Determinism is an idea in philosophy proceeding free will and is used to define human behaviors. This idea, like many others in philosophy, is based on what can be proven. Determinism states that all actions are identified by earlier occurring causes. The two main features of determinism are hard determinism and soft determinism. These theories of determinism have varied between philosophers throughout history. The main challenge of this theory comes from the theory of indeterminism. Indeterminism is unlike the other theories because it is supported by science and free will.
Philosopher William James Hard is responsible for differentiating between determinism and soft determinism. Hard determinism is the view on the affiliation between determinism, and the lack of free will. This theory asserts that human behavior and actions are decided by outside factors. This means that humans do not have free will or ethical accountability. The issue with hard determination is that actions can only be explained by causes and not by reasons.
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In contrast to hard determinism, soft determinism says that we are determined and still free. Soft Determinism is the theory that human behavior and actions are only determined by causing events, while still having free will. According to the soft determinism philosophers, when the person is the source of their actions, they act freely.
The idea that contrasts determinism is indeterminism. Indeterminism is the view that happenings in the universe happen randomly by chance. The problem with this is that it leaves every incidence to be of probability or every choice to have no significance. It also holds no one responsible for their actions if something happens by chance.
Determinism is an imperfect idea in philosophy that has resulted in multiple explanations from philosophers in history. Hard determinism and indeterminism are the most scrutinized theories because they lack free will and the ability to be proven true. The most appropriate theory lies within soft determinism, holding less opposition. Determinism in philosophy has overlapping ideas and concepts with each holding more weight and truth regarding the individual relating best to it.
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Informative Essay on Determinism.
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