Hard Determinism

Definition

Hard determinism is a philosophical view that states that all events, including human actions and choices, are completely determined by prior events and conditions, leaving no room for free will. It is the belief that every event, including human behavior, is caused by antecedent events and conditions together with the laws of nature, and that nothing can happen otherwise.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hard determinists believe that since all events are caused by prior events, human choices and actions are not truly 'free' but are instead predetermined by factors outside of our control.
2. Hard determinists argue that the concept of moral responsibility is incoherent, as our actions are not the result of a 'free' will but are instead the inevitable product of causal factors.
3. Hard determinists often point to scientific discoveries in physics, biology, and neuroscience as evidence that human behavior is governed by deterministic natural laws.
4. Hard determinists contend that the illusion of free will arises from our inability to fully comprehend the complex web of causal factors that shape our decisions and actions.
5. Hard determinists maintain that accepting determinism does not negate the value of human agency, as we can still make choices and shape our lives within the constraints of a deterministic universe.

Review Questions

• Explain the core tenet of hard determinism and how it contrasts with the notion of free will.
  • The core tenet of hard determinism is that all events, including human actions and choices, are completely determined by prior events and conditions in accordance with the laws of nature. This view stands in stark contrast to the idea of free will, which posits that individuals have the ability to make choices and take actions that are not fully predetermined. Hard determinists argue that the concept of free will is an illusion, as our decisions and behaviors are ultimately the inevitable result of causal factors outside of our control.
• Describe how hard determinists use scientific evidence to support their position, and evaluate the strengths and limitations of this approach.
  • Hard determinists often point to scientific discoveries in fields like physics, biology, and neuroscience as evidence that human behavior is governed by deterministic natural laws. For example, they may cite research on the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making or the predictable patterns of human behavior observed in large data sets. While this scientific evidence lends support to the hard determinist view, it is important to recognize the limitations of this approach. Scientific explanations of human behavior are inherently reductionist and may fail to capture the full complexity of the human experience. Additionally, the relationship between scientific findings and philosophical conclusions about free will is not always straightforward, as there is ongoing debate about how to interpret the implications of such research.
• Evaluate the ethical and practical implications of accepting hard determinism, particularly with respect to notions of moral responsibility and the justice system.
  • If hard determinism is true, it would have significant implications for our understanding of moral responsibility and the justice system. Hard determinists argue that since our actions are not the result of a 'free' will but are instead predetermined by causal factors, the concept of moral responsibility is incoherent. This would call into question the foundations of our systems of punishment and reward, as well as the legitimacy of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Some hard determinists suggest that a more compassionate and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice may be warranted, as individuals are not truly 'responsible' for their crimes. However, others contend that even in a deterministic universe, the practical value of maintaining social order and deterring harmful behavior justifies the continued use of the justice system. Ultimately, the ethical and practical implications of hard determinism remain a subject of ongoing debate and philosophical exploration.

Related terms

Causal Determinism: The idea that every event, including human decisions and actions, is caused by prior events according to natural laws, leaving no room for free will or indeterminism.

Compatibilism:

The view that free will and determinism are compatible, and that an action can be both caused by prior events and be a free choice.

Libertarianism:

The view that there is genuine indeterminism in the universe, and that humans have free will that is not compatible with determinism.