In this paper I will examine the differences in the beliefs of libertarianists and determinists. A libertarianist believes that one can decide one's own fate, while a determinist believes that all of our actions are pre determined for us. I will explain why determinism has more of a scientific backbone than libertarianism and why the idea of every event having a cause behind it is more feasible. .
I will show how these two sides will react to this specific question. If there is a machine that can predict what I will do in the immediate future, and it tells me that I am about to sit and write my philosophy paper, is it possible for me to do anything else? Am I able to deliberate my actions and throw causality to the wind?.
Many would argue by nature that I could easily do something besides write the paper. The more popular belief is that people are in charge of their own futures and decisions and that is what people want to believe. Libertarians believe this and offer facts to persuade those unsure. In Elements of Philosophy the Libertarian view point is explained (283). Their two main theories are that we often deliberate over our decisions, considering alternative actions and thinking of possible consequences. .
Another argument for free choice is our need to believe that people are morally responsible for their actions. Because of free choice, someone who commits a crime can be held morally responsible. If free choice does not apply, the applicable punishments would be unjust because the offender would have had no other alternatives. Someone who believes in free choice would argue that I am free not to write my paper regardless of what the machine predicts if I deliberate and consider the options in my head. But there are some who disagree.
Determinists do not believe in free choice. They maintain that certain conditions cause the occurrence of every event (283). Thinking that one is free to choose is an illusion.