how does determinism explain freedom?

Answer 1

Usually what compatibalist philosophers have argued is that although in reality, determinism is true; given that we do not know all the variables that would affect the outcome, practically we are free from determinism.

However, this position is still controversial. Philosopher such as John Searle says "according to the definitions . . . that I am using, determinism and free will are not compatible" in "Freedom and Neurobiology: Reflections on Free Will, Language, and Political Power".

Answer 2

Hello:

Here is a short conversation between Schroedinger's Cat and Pavlov's Dog:

Dog: I have a thousand proofs that say we are not free.

Cat: I have one that says we are.

Dog: Whats that?

Cat: Who asks whats that?

or if your prefer, the next time you are driving ask yourself...what keeps any of us from jerking the wheel and taking the car into the oncoming lane? Its the same thing that keeps us driving the way we do...a choice.

Here is a safe one you can try, the next time you are cold and about to put a sweater on...don't. Stay cold for a little while to prove you are free...

On a side note Western (I mean American in particular) people seem to have lost their notion of choice and are really caught up in day to day life. Choice for them is which way to take to work or pepsi or coke...starbucks or gas station...you know? This is in part because total freedom is kinda scary.

All in all determinism is a philosophy opposed to free will. I would guess that the fact that people believe things as illogical as they do does reinforce free wills case.

Determinism does have its merits and we live in bodies governed by physical law, so I would not call it a brazenly stupid idea, but there are a lot out there.

I hope this helps

Rev Phil

Answer 3

Look up Patrick Henry....."Give me liberty or give me death."