Determinism,compatibilism, and libertarianism Essay

Determinism,compatibilism, and libertarianism - Essay Example Since the beginnings of human civilization people have been seeking the ideal path to achieving a productive, successful, healthy, and happy society. There are several different theories conceived and developed aimed at achieving it. Unfortunately, many of these ideas are not remotely in agreement and some downright contradict one another. Each one claiming to have the answer as to the nature of mankind, why human beings behave as they do, and how best for them to live within and perceive society. Determinism, compatibilism, and libertarianism are three prime examples of philosophical concepts, each having strong historical support and criticisms. While each ideology has logical arguments supporting its validity they, also, have internal flaws that may lead to negative outcomes; therefore determining which, if any, is the most likely to be the best, or correct, answer to ideal human society and perspective on human reality if no easy feat. What is free will? If so, does it exist? The answer is not as simple as you think. If you define free will as being the idea that reality plays out according to the millions of individual choices and decisions we make based on wants and desires, both, great and small, then the ideology behind Determinism may not be for you. However, if you believe that scientific principles, psychological motivators, and persistent causative events outside ones’ control and force every choice that you make; even the sense of choice is, essentially, a false perception, then you would be a poor libertarian. If you believe that, although many causative events play a part in influencing our decisions and behaviors, but, on occasion those causative elements are absent, allowing for certain choices to be made solely by want and desire beyond needs and if you believe that perhaps both could coexist, then you might fit in nicely in the company of compatibilists. However, do not look for support from the determinists and libertarians, both cons ider the idea of coexistence as illogical, not plausible, and impossible. (Pecorino, 2000) In order to understand, determinism, capatibilism, and libertarianism better, as well as, assess the differing strengths and weaknesses, it is necessary to discuss and review each theory individually. Determinism in its, most basic form, can be defined as a belief system that adheres to the ideology that all things in nature are subject to the cause and effect principal, human behavior included. For this reason human beings are not responsible for their behavior because the actions and behaviors exhibited by people are directly a response to causal or set of causal events, entirely outside their control. More so, determinists believe that all things follow the natural law and that behaviors can, in fact, be predicted, if enough causal variables are known.(Pecorino, 2000) Simply put, determinists look at the world at given period in time and apply the â€Å"natural laws,† or clearly defi ned understanding of what is true, and then relating that to what will inevitably be in the future.(Newall, 2005)There are 4 specific factors that are believed to play a huge role as causative factors in the actions and behaviors of human beings; 1. Human Nature: determinists claim that human beings are subject to the instincts and biological imperatives outside of their conscious control. 2. Environment: human behavior can be attributed to their response to environmental factors that, essentially, forcing their hand. 3. Psychological Forces: Not unlike human nature, psychological drives influence behavior, again, outside one’s control. 4. Social Dynamic: human beings are directly subject to the rules, laws, and societal constructs of their communities, which, also, influences human behavior. Ultimately, the overall reigning element of determinism that characterizes and creates criticism of it is that it holds firmly that human free will is an illusion that we