Free Essay on The Power of Determinism: How Our Choices Are Pre-Determined

Introduction

Determinism is a philosophical perspective; whereby our actions are determined by various causes that are preexisting. The conditions that are present, or are resultant of previous circumstances determine the choices we make completely. Determinism proposes that human behavior is highly predictable; because of the effect of previously occurring circumstances that affect our conduct either directly or indirectly. Determinism can be external, where our behavior determined by external factors (Hoefer, 2003). There is also internal determinism, whereby our behavior is predictable, based on a biological perspective. On the contrary, there is the philosophical idea of free will, whereby individuals are free to control their behavior, independent of any internal or external influences. The idea of free will introduces unpredictability in human behavior, whereby one can independently change their course of action. Free will is the opposite of determinism; because of the freedom of behavioral patterns associated with an individual.

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Determinism Affects Free Will

Based on the characteristics of free will and determinism, it is factual to state that determinism affects free will in multiple ways. The effect is based on the strong influence of internal and external stimuli on the behavior of individuals. Determinism threatens the idea of free will, which introduces the concept of compatibilism. The two ideas of determinism and free will cannot coexist; they are different in how they affect how people behave. First, is because determinism is realistic, by stating both internal and external factors influence our behavior. That threatens the idea of free will, based on practicability because it ignores the significant influence that internal and external stimuli have on our behavior. Furthermore, determinism threatens free will based on logical determinism, whereby, even in practicing free will, there is an aspect of determinism. The course of action that an individual takes is based on the internal and external influences; which influence their decisions. Based on the two arguments, it is evident why determinism threatens the idea of free will in people's behavior. It is based on logic, whereby an individual's behavior is largely influenced by the past, present and future aspects of the internal and external environment.

Predictability

'Everything you do is predictable to those who know you well. This predictability means choices beyond your control determine your life', is a statement based on the idea of determinism. In determinism, there is the effect of the internal and external environment in influencing the course of action which an individual chooses to follow. In this case, an outcome's probability is largely influenced by the magnitude of the internal and external effects. When the influences are so strong, they may have adverse effects on the course of action or direction that an individual chooses to follow. On the contrary, when the influence is weak, then there is a high chance of an individual predicting the direction their actions will lead them. The preexisting circumstances majorly affect our actions; which is true, and makes this statement practical, hence correct.

Conclusion

To conclude, the second statement is not practical because it is based on an ideal situation; based on free will. The individual does not consider the role that the external and internal environment has on their plans. Previous events or unforeseen circumstances affect our actions, whereby the future becomes unpredictable because of the magnitude of their effect. It is true that the future can be foreseen, but only in an ideal situation where no effect of preexisting or unpredictable situations occurs in the future. However, this statement does not consider the practical nature of plans, which makes it incorrect. It is based on assumptions of free will, where there is a high degree of predictability. The assumptions; which are unrealistic are what make the statement incorrect.

References

Hoefer, C. (2003). Causal determinism. https://stanford.library.sydney.edu.au/archives/win2013/entries/determinism-causal/