Most often, philosophers attempt to prove their many theories by making use of several examples or analogies. Yet, it is through these clever, everyday platforms that we, the average knowledge-seeking citizen, gain a true understanding of his or her intent. It allows us to incorporate our personal lives into the theory and as a result, further enhances its overall meaning. Therefore, when analyzing the theory of soft determinism, I have chosen to philosophically utilize a personal story with the intent of heightening its defense. Barbie v.
Light Brite At a very young age, children are presented with various toys with which to assist in their cognitive development. When I was a young girl, Barbie was the hottest toy on the market. Every girl fantasized over her long, blonde hair and her amazing sense of style. Yet, for reasons unknown, my parents led me away from the Barbie hysteria and introduced me to the imaginative world of the Light Brite. While other girls were putting together Barbies new outfit for the day, I was making my own dreamlike scenes with colored, plastic pegs.
Now, do not get me wrong, some of my best friends played with Barbie dolls and are no different from myself. However, the paths that we led after This crucial point is seemingly significant. It is here where the philosophy of determinism comes into effect. Barbie v. Soccer As I grew older, Barbie became more popular and toys such as the Light Brite grew dull. Yet, despite the accessibility of Barbie that surrounded me, I began to take an interest in athletics. I soon found myself joining the local soccer team (even though I was only one of three girls to participate), while my Barbie friends practiced their cheerleading moves.
Again, I stress the importance of taking note that although the activities we entertained ourselves with were different, we basically lead our lives today with similar goals and aspirations in mind. I can honestly say, as well, that my parents allowed me to be a very independent child. I had established my own priorities at an early age and was given every feasible opportunity to meet these goals. As a result of that independence, I am now a responsible, methodical individual. The question that must now be confronted is whether or not who I am today was predetermined from the early Light Brite days.
Determinism is stated as, The theory that all events, including human actions and choices, are, without exception, totally determined(Feinberg 410). When reflecting upon the story of my childhood and how I have come to develop, the concept of determinism is a very plausible notion. According to a determinist, my choice of activities followed a pattern that was predetermined long before I had conceived them. My actions were merely dictated by antecedent conditions that were beyond my control. Take, for example, my transition from Light Brite to the sport of soccer.
One could easily state that it was simply a coincidence that I played soccerbut is it? Does it not seem more plausible that, in fact, I chose soccer over cheerleading because I never played with Barbie? The answer appears quite obvious when reflecting upon the circumstances in this light. Determinism can also be applied to various aspects in life in which we make decisions. Although Determinism appears to promote a valid explanation for my actions, it unfortunately has a rather large fallacy behind it.
One of the main clauses of determinism is based on the idea that because everything is a result of an antecedent condition, we have no responsibility for our actions. Yet, if one refers back to my story, there is mention of the strong responsibility I feel for my actions as an adult. This sense of conviction towards my actions goes against everything determinism represents. As an independent child, I chose to be liable for my own actions. It was this choice that is the key factor in rendering the complete theory of determinism false and putting forth the concept of free will.
Libertarianism states that a person can, in a rational and responsible way, intervene in the ongoing course of events. If this is believed to be true, then it is very likely that I chose to play soccer and behave the way I do today because of my free will. According to Stephen Heron, a philosopher, In common sense or simple introspection, free will is the fact that we are able to make choices according to values we have, instead of values imposed upon us by feelings or persuasion (Heron 11). A prime example of an instance where free will is in effect is in one of my confrontations with marijuana in high school.
A large amount of my friends used marijuana rather frequently in high school. We would all go out to a party together and almost everyone would leave stonedexcept for me. Now, I do not know exactly why I never even tried to smoke, but I do know that I was completely indifferent to the entire act. Every time I was presented with an offer to smoke, I would decline. Yet, I would not reject it because of the guilt of what my parents might think. It was simply a decision that I would happen to make every time. I was constantly utilizing my ability of free will.
Today, I honestly believe that I just as easily could have said yes instead of no. The concept of free will separates us from all other creatures, because the ability to think entails a freedom to do things and make choices. As humans, we daily combat decisions that are most often predetermined (determinism) as well as a few that exemplify our free will. However, one must understand that not every decision we make can be causally explained or said to be of free will. Determinism suggests that one event is somehow in the power of another, whereas sometimes the truth is merely that they are factually correlated” (Ayer 434).
Therefore, complete acceptance of determinism is not a viable explanation for all acts. Likewise, free will has similar fallacies. When a decision is deemed to be of free will, this is not to say that it was a matter of chance that I acted as I did, or in other words, that my actions could not be explained (Ayer 434). Most likely, the choice was a result of some outside cause or influence. At this juncture, one might then question what theory is plausible for all the actions apparent in my childhood. The answer is simplesoft determinism.
This philosophical theory is based upon the ideas of determinism and free will and their overall compatibility with each other. Soft Determinists state that determinism is true, but is strongly related to free will and responsibility. Events and decisions are all based upon antecedent conditions, but allow room for some libertarianism. One can once again relate back to my story to further understand soft determinism. Although the idea that I chose to play soccer stemmed off the fact that I never played with Barbie, it did not insinuate that I had not expressed any free will.
For I could have very well chosen to play football instead. Thus, soft determinism merely states that although individuals may be causally led in one direction, their free will and responsibility allows them to make choices in that direction (Feinberg 410). The theories of determinism and libertarianism are extremely valid philosophical explanations for actions and behavior. In order to fully understand our decisions, one must be introduced to each of these theories separately. Unfortunately, when determinism and free will are incorporated individually, several questionable elements arise.
Therefore, the only option is to combine the two concepts and utilize each of their strongest characteristics. In doing so, one can easily denote the importance of soft determinism. It plainly explains all the circumstances that determinism and libertarianism fail to do alone. The model presented earlier was utilized with the intent of further extending the comprehension of each of these theories, while remaining somewhat as a constant throughout the explanation. Soft Determinism acts as a window in the world of analyzing decisions and motives. Just a Note: As may be apparent, I had a very difficult time with this paper.
There were so many different aspects to be reconciled with that I felt completely lost. Fortunately, Tom (who is also in the class) came over one night and we got into an hour-long discussion about determinism. I realize that he is a philosophy major, but his ideas were spectacular and enlightened me in more ways then one. As a result of our talk, which my roommate also found quite interesting, I was able to tackle the defense feeling better about my knowledge on the subject. The entire concept of free will and determinism still remains a bit of a mystery, but then I thoughtis it truly clear to anyone?