Philosophy

Philosophy Study Guide

Chapter 5: Are You Free? Freedom and Determinism

Learning Objectives 1. Describe the different views regarding free will 2. Describe the impact of nature in helping philosophy evolve as a science and the impact nature has had on the science 3. Discuss the impact that William James theory had on the development of philosophy 4. Describe Sartre’s incidence of the development of philosophy as a science 5. Consider the feminist implications of the development of philosophy as a science 5.1 Introduction One school of thought, known as determinism, concludes that it is not always possible to have genuine freedom of choice because the actions and decisions we make are determined by external factors beyond our control. In the deterministic view, every event, including human actions, occurs due to a previous event. The actions and behaviors we take fall under the universal laws used to govern the world. It further supports that human freedom is an illusion. Human nature, psychological and environmental forces, social dynamics, and free will are all some common theories used to support the determinist view and explain human behavior. ● Human nature: Humans are born with certain basic instincts that affect and determine how they behave. Whether right or wrong, the actions people take are just extensions of the universe. These behaviors have already been genetically hardwired into the individual. The individual (human) contains no freedom of choice. In other words, we are born one way and cannot act in any other way than how we were born. ● Environmental influences: The environment in which people reside in shapes their actions. People are not born with any inherent characteristics. Instead, their actions are a direct product of their life experiences. People cannot be held responsible for how they behave because they did not choose their environment; rather, they were a passive agent molded by forces beyond their control. ● Psychological forces: People are governed by psychological forces that cause them to think, feel, and act in certain ways. These forces can be either conscious or unconscious force. Humans have mental impulses that have been formed since their earliest relationships and experiences. People believe they are choosing their actions. When in reality, they are just puppets being manipulated by invisible psychological strings. Psychological motivations (often repressed) form the core structure of our personality. Giving us the illusion of feeling free. ● Social dynamics: Since people are innately sociable, they are heavily influenced by the people around them. Humans feel the need to conform to the prevailing norms. They feel the need to be accepted by their peer groups and want to please those who are closest to them, in addition to obeying those in positions of authority. These and other social needs will define the individual and determine who they are as a person.

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