"We are free to make moral decisions" Discuss. (12 marks)
- include libertarianism, hard determinism, behaviorism and Calvinism in your response.
To discuss the statement, "We are free to make moral decisions," we need to explore different philosophical perspectives. Let's examine four of them: libertarianism, hard determinism, behaviorism, and Calvinism.
1. Libertarianism: According to libertarianism, individuals possess free will and therefore have the ability to make moral choices. Libertarians argue that we have the ability to act volitionally and are independent from external influences or determinants. This perspective promotes the idea that our choices are not predetermined by factors such as genetics or external circumstances. In this view, we have the freedom to act morally or immorally based on our own intentions.
2. Hard Determinism: In contrast to libertarianism, hard determinism suggests that our actions and decisions are entirely determined by prior causes. Advocates of hard determinism argue that every event and decision is a result of a chain of causes and effects, including factors beyond our control (e.g., genetics, upbringing, societal influences). From this perspective, there is no true freedom to make moral decisions, as our actions are predetermined and out of our control.
3. Behaviorism: Behaviorism focuses on the belief that human behavior is solely influenced by environmental factors and conditioning. According to behaviorism, human actions are shaped by past experiences, rewards, and punishments. This perspective asserts that our moral decisions are a result of conditioning and external influences, ultimately denying the existence of free will. In this view, moral decisions are predetermined and guided by reinforcement mechanisms.
4. Calvinism: Calvinism, a theological perspective, emphasizes the concept of predestination, which purports that God has already predetermined our fate. According to Calvinism, God has predetermined who will be saved and who will be damned. This perspective suggests that moral decisions are not entirely free, as they are ultimately determined by a divine plan rather than by individual choice.
In summary, the viewpoints of libertarianism, hard determinism, behaviorism, and Calvinism provide different approaches to understanding the freedom we have in making moral decisions. While libertarianism champions the notion of free will and personal agency, hard determinism and behaviorism argue that our moral decisions are predetermined by various factors beyond our control. Calvinism introduces the idea that our fate is predestined by a divine force, further complicating the concept of personal freedom. Ultimately, the question of whether we are free to make moral decisions is a complex and debated topic, with different philosophical perspectives offering conflicting viewpoints.