Free Will

Eric Kemmling

Philosophy 100-24n

11/2/14

Blog Post 3

What Causes Our Effects

The world appears to be mathematical, following patterns, geometry and various rules and laws. In addition to beliefs in gods, it seems life is almost mechanical or created. These ideas cause a well known argument in the debate that is better known as free will. An interesting concept, whether by choice of a god, or by natural reasons for many centuries now there is still argument over whether we have control over our lives or not. This debate is mainly run by two groups falling on the sides of libertarianism or hard determinism. Libertarianism is a mix of free will and external forces commanding our lives. This means that although we are influenced and sometimes forced by our surroundings, we still have choice in control in other situations. Hard determinism is different in respects to the idea that we have no choice and are at the mercy of our surroundings and external surroundings, Both pose interesting arguments but it seems libertarianism is much more developed and sensible.

Based on its ideology, libertarianism has an upper hand over hard determinism in terms of explanatory breadth. it makes sense that external factors would influence our actions and even force them at times. This can range from childhood upbringing to daily choices based on weather or unpredictable changes. The reason libertarianism goes farther is because not only does it factor in external forces like hard determinism, but it adds free will to the argument. This matches human nature being that we are constantly thinking on our own and seemingly making active choices by our brains decisions. Not to mention we usually are aware of the outcome that will most likely happen and choose to do knowing the consequences. The breadth of this argument reaches farther in terms of counting in more types of human nature, being that it covers nature based by external conflict and nature based from spontaneous choice.

In terms of explanatory depth, libertarianism also goes deeper. Hard determinism stops at external conflict governing our lives and in terms thinks that humans do not have moral responsibility over their actions.This would mean that all crimes and negative choices should not only be disregarded, but great actions should go unnoticed. This is farthest depth of the argument and also does not really coincide with the worlds views on this today. Libertarianism accepts that some actions are indeed not by choice, for example an accident to another person. It goes deeper by saying indeed some choices are by free will and therefore things like murder, and actions involving morals should be taken seriously. It is by these accounts it seems libertarianism poses a deeper argument.

In terms of simplicity, hard determinism does have a slight edge. being that it only regards outside conflict and blatantly states the idea of no free will and moral obligation, there is hardly any room for contradictions or errors. But I would argue that it is too simple as stated above with its lack of further argumentation into human behavior and choice. Libertarianism is indeed more complicated involving both external conflict and forced choice. But it seems that few errors can be found within the argument.

Lastly, on the basis of conservatism  libertarianism is very similar to current beliefs and ideas. Being responsible for one's action is a huge staple in the world today and the ideas of heroism and gratitude are widely spread. Few would agree with hard determinism on the basis of acquitting those who make negative choices. Nor would it it be popular to not congratulate those who do great things being that competition and success are encouraged. It is also a truth that many people feel better thinking they are in control of their lives, and by choice many want to believe they have free will and the ability to make change.

1. The ideas of  libertarianism and hard determinism provide very insightful and reasonable ideas into the debate on free will..
2. libertarianism  through the ideas of forced choice by external conflicts coinciding with spontaneous free will, has better explanatory depth and conservatism, whereas rationality just has more simplicity.
3. Therefore, libertarianism  is the best explanation of choice, fate and freewill in our lives.