Compatibilism: Determinism And Free Will

Compatibilism is the belief that determinism and free will are companionable philosophies. The question that is posed is; is it possible to believe in both ideas without being rationally erratic? Is there such thing as controlling every aspect of our life and choosing what we do and how we do it? Or is it previous events that have happened in our lives that cause everything that happens? It has been argued back and fourth for centuries, if free will and determinism are compatible and it will continue for many more. Throughout this essay, it will be argued that compatibilism cannot be defended, with use of sufficient evidence and support from research conducted on this topic. Free will is supported and determinism is not supported, which will

Furthermore, indicating that no one has a say or choice in whatever action occurs. The claim made is fully against this argument, as it is believed that people can choose what actions they perform. Duus- Oeeerstrom (2010) argues that optimists should be against determinism, as existing in a society where there is a predominant, action-guiding belief in libertarian, free will is the paramount possible result. Continuing on from the example in the previous paragraph of free will, it can also be used as an example for determinism. “Walking into a coffee shop, deciding to buy a coffee or tea , choosing a cappuccino and buying it.” However, in a deterministic view, why did the person feel the urge to indulge in a cappuccino? Previous events from the day influence this decision, as the person may already have had a cup of tea in the morning, or the person was tired from a bad nights sleep, therefore wanting caffeine to give them a boost. The stance that is taken in this essay supports that these events should be completely irrelevant when it comes to making decisions, performing actions and events throughout a person’s