Posted: July 18th, 2019
Free Will vs. Determinism
1. Introduction: Introduce the problem of free will. What is the problem? What are the three positions?
Present the argument for “free will-ism”
What does it mean to have free will, according to free will-ism
What is one reason to think we have such “free will?
Is this actually a good reason to think we have free will, though? Explain.
Consider one objection to the free will-ism position
Assess whether this (above) is a good objection
Present the argument for determinism
What does it mean to have free will, according to determinism?
Explain one reason to think we do NOT have free will
Explain the compatibilism position (aka. soft determinism)
How does it define free will?
Explain how compatibilism tries to make sense of moral responsibility.
State one objection to this argument for moral responsibility
Conclusion: State what you personally evaluate as the most supported position among the three. Explain your reasoning.
present concepts and views that are clear, precise and accurate
be entirely in your own words
be well-organized & you do not digress.
select appropriate aspects of the issue for discussion
not commit any informal fallacies (presented in lecture notes)
employ reasoning that is clear, logical, and understandable
consider opposing viewpoints
ultimately take a definite position on the issue, but only after impartially considering all sides
provide appropriate and cogent reasons for the position taken
give appropriate reasons for rejecting any alternative views
consider reasonable objections against own position; & give sufficient responses to such objections
explain how the reasons for rejecting these objections are clear