Free Will and Determinism

What the resources cover

The unit is built around the main positions in the debate. Mind maps such as Hard Determinism, Soft Determinism and Libertarianism set out definitions, thinkers and key arguments. The hard determinism map covers universal causation, where every cause leads to an effect, and the claim that free will is an illusion. The libertarianism map separates indeterminism, where things happen randomly, from self-determination, which it treats as needed for real free will.

Religious views are covered too. The first map, Free Will and Determinism, includes religion and free will, Protestant determinism and predestination. A further map explains religious teaching on free will, and the Libertarianism & Pre destination map links the two ideas.

Where to start

Begin with the first mind map for an overview, then read 01 Introduction to Free Will and Determinism. Next, work through the three main positions one at a time. Compatibilism has its own map, Compatibilism_1, which contrasts the liberty of indifference with the liberty of spontaneity.

1. Overview map and introduction.
2. Hard determinism, then libertarianism.
3. Soft determinism and compatibilism.
4. Religious teaching and predestination.
5. Implications, such as blame and punishment.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map, close it, then take a quiz on the same idea. A2 Freewill and Determinism asks about predestination and its Protestant work ethic link. Chapter 6: Freedom vs. Determinism Practice Quiz asks for examples of biological or genetic determinism and about negative reinforcement. Where an answer is wrong, go back to the matching map and check it.

Flashcard decks help with vocabulary. Free Will covers terms such as the Consequence Argument and manipulation arguments, while The debate over free will and determinism - Definitions covers fatalism, physicalism and dualism.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Knowledge, Mind and Reality strand of Philosophy. Its questions about choice, causes and responsibility connect with ideas about mind and reality elsewhere in the strand.

Choose one position today, test yourself on it, and then add your own notes or flashcards where you find gaps.