Leiden University Student Repository

Westen, Brechtje (2017)

Responsibility and free will in a determined world

Bachelor thesis | Wijsbegeerte (BA)

Can we be free and morally responsible in a determined world? One of the main debates about this question is between the compatibilists and the incompatibilists. The compatibilists state that we can be free and responsible in a determined world, where the incompatibilists state that we can’t be free in a determined world, and need to find a different solution. In this paper I will answer the question: Which of the two views has a more adequate attitude towards free will and responsibility in a determined world? I will come to the conclusion that we can't be free in a determined world, but that this doesn't mean we can't be held responsible for our actions.

Responsibility

determinism

free will

compatibilism

non-compatibilism

Author

Westen, Brechtje

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Ethiek en politieke filosofie

Supervisors

Newey, G.F.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en