Flaws Of Compatibilism
Flaws Of Compatibilism
Problems of Philosophy
Essay #1
Compatibilism, the belief that one can be entirely free and wholly responsible for one’s actions regardless of the fact that those actions have been predetermined by a previous chain of events, is flawed in its definition of free will and remains contradictory with determinist views. If one is to maintain a determinist perspective, then it is logical to believe that we cannot be held morally accountable for our actions since we lack the free will to carry them out. If you are unable to exercise your free will, it does not exist.
Many argue that a distinct classification of the words “free will” do not exist; thus, if the words are void of one true meaning, it is not possible to brand any definition of it as wrong or “flawed”. In response, those words may be associated with several different meanings, however, it is still possible to scrutinize each definition within its context as opposed to picking apart the general idea. For example, compatibilists classify free will as the ability to make decisions and choices that one is not coerced to make. These choices are based on desires and beliefs. This specific view supports the notion that even though every single one of our actions has already been accounted for and predetermined, the fact that you could make another choice (regardless of whether or not you do) validates the fact that free will does indeed exist. For instance, suppose that you reading this paper at this very moment was preordained and imprinted into the history of the course of events of the universe. Although all things inside of you compel you to keep reading, the mere possibility that you could stop, the very thought that you have an option other than to continue would vindicate the concept of self-determination. Therefore, compatibilists contend that one can believe in both the concept of determinism and the presence of free will without the two contradicting one...
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