Determinism is the philosophical view that all events are predetermined and that free will is an illusion. Non-determinism is the belief that there is at least some randomness in the universe and that free will is possible.
Determinism
Determinism has been around for centuries. One of the earliest proponents of determinism was the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who famously said that “no man steps in the same river twice.” Heraclitus believed that the universe is constantly changing and that everything is interconnected. He also believed that past events determine current actions.
Another early proponent of determinism was the Roman philosopher Seneca. Seneca believed that everything is governed by fate and that we have no control over our destiny. He famously said that “fate leads the willing and drags the unwilling.”
Determinism has also been a widespread view in many religions. For example, the Calvinist doctrine of predestination teaches that God has already predestined who will be saved and who will be damned, which means that our actions have no bearing on our ultimate fate.
In modern times, determinism is defended by some philosophers and scientists. One of the most famous defenders of determinism is the philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Spinoza believed that the universe is a single substance and that the laws of nature determine everything in the universe.
Another modern defender of determinism is the scientist Stephen Hawking. Hawking has argued that the laws of physics determine everything that happens in the universe, including our actions.
Arguments for determinism
There are many arguments in favor of determinism. One idea is that determinism is necessary for a coherent understanding of the universe. If events are not predetermined, the universe is simply chaotic and unpredictable, making it impossible for us to understand the universe or make predictions about the future.
Another argument favoring determinism is that it is compatible with our own experience. We often feel our actions are determined by the events that have come before us. For example, suppose someone punches us in the face. In that case, we likely hit them back, suggesting that our actions are not entirely free but determined by the stimuli we receive from the outside world.
Finally, some people argue that non-determinism is necessary for moral responsibility. If our actions are not determined, we can be held morally responsible for them because we can be held accountable for things we choose to do.
Arguments for non-determinism
There are several arguments in favor of non-determinism. One view is that non-determinism is necessary for free will. If our actions are determined, we cannot be said to have free will because we cannot choose if our choices are already predetermined. Another argument favoring non-determinism is that it is consistent with our own experience. We often feel like we have free will. We can make choices not determined by the events that have come before them. Non-determinism allows us to make sense of these feelings.
Finally, some people argue that non-determinism is necessary for moral responsibility. If our actions are not determined, we can be held morally responsible because of the things we choose to do, even if those choices are not predetermined.
Implications of determinism and non-determinism
The importance of determinism and non-determinism is far-reaching.
If determinism is true, then it means that everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen is predetermined, meaning we have no absolute control over our lives. We are simply puppets on a string, controlled by nature’s laws.
If non-determinism is accurate, we have at least some degree of free will. We can make choices not determined by events that have come before us, which gives us control over our lives and allows us to be held morally responsible for our actions.
Conclusion
The debate between determinism and non-determinism is a complex one. There are strong arguments on both sides of the discussion. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which view they believe.
