Implications of Determinism What are some implications if

Implications of Determinism What are some implications if determinism is true? Discuss what you think would be the case, about the points below, if determinism is true. 1. Is moral responsibility an illusion? 2. Is there any point to normative ethical theories? 3. Is there any point in praying? 4. Can miracles happen in a determined universe?

1. Is moral responsibility an illusion? • Define how Rational Choice theory is used in jurisprudence. • Read the accounts of murders where determinism was used as a defence. Does this defence succeed? • Which of the scholars you studied would support a determinist defence/ rational choice theory? • What would soft determinists say? Philosophical/ Psychological Views • • • William James Sartre Carl Rogers Baruch Spinoza John Hospers B. F. Skinner Rational Choice Theory The UK legal system adopts a utilitarian belief : • people make rational choices weighing up means and ends, costs and benefits. • crime is assumed to be rational, purposeful behaviour to meet needs for money, status, sex and excitement etc. • The court is therefore right to punish such choices. eg the Judge in the Mark Duggan riots 2011 said “Those who deliberately participate in disturbances of this magnitude are committing aggravated crimes”, and dismissed all appeals.

Who takes moral responsibility seriously, and who doesn’t? • moral responsibility taken seriously • moral responsibility an illusion Soft determinists: - some of our determining factors can be overcome, - through intellect/ reason - through moral effort • We can probably never recognise the strength of all our determining factors

2. Is there any point to normative ethical theories? • What does “normative” mean? • how determinism makes nonsense of normative ethics • 2 Specific examples discussed DIVINE COMMAND THEORY - what does this theory advocate that we should do? - how does this imply freedom? - if there is no freedom, why wouldn’t it work? - is it rational to conclude that it can’t work? UTILITARIANISM - what does this theory advocate that we should do? - how does this imply freedom? - if there is no freedom, why wouldn’t it work? - is it rational to conclude that it can’t work?

3. Is there any point to prayer in a determined universe? Present arguments for one of these questions. - p. 37, 38 - define terms (determinism in this context, miracles, prayer) - bullet points how determinism could affect prayer - Bullet point how determinism affects miracles 4. Can miracles happen, in a determined universe? Newton’s mechanical universe vs. quantum physics; God’s omniscience; internal acts; Sartre “condemned to freedom”; Carl Rogers; Locke’s iron-block universe/ universal causation; predestination; liberium arbitrium; biological/ psychological determinism

Implications of determinism for… • • • Moral responsibility Ethical theories For prayer For miracles Theology: God’s omnipotence/ omnibenevolence/ problem of evil