Instructions: Choose ONE topic to discuss.
Ideal essays always: (i) have labeled sections with useful titles (ii) an introduction that states the thesis and guides the reader to the essay.
Topic One: Free will and Determinism.
Explain the argument below.
- You must explain each of the 4 premises by giving examples to show what they mean
- You must explain how the conclusion follows from the premises
- Discuss; which if any of the premise might be false? Can we be responsible for what we choose to do?
[1] If I could not avoid doing what I did (if I lacked freedom) then it is unfair to blame or praise me for what I did. [The principle of alternate possibilities]
[2] Causes necessitate their effects, i.e. if the cause exists then the effect must occur. Given the cause the effect cannot be avoided. [Determinism]
[3] My choice to come to class today has a cause: I wanted to come to class
Therefore:
[4] My choice, given my desire to come to class, could not be avoided
Therefore:
[5] It is not fair to blame or praise me for my choice
Topic Two: Galen Strawson and Ultimate Responsibility
According to Galen Strawson, no one is ultimately responsible for what they choose to do.
- Explain what Strawson means by “moral responsibility” and the example he gives
- Explain Strawson’s “regress” argument and his “Basic argument” version of the regress argument regarding “self-creation”, for the claim no one is responsible for what they choose to do.
- To illustrate the regress argument offer some speculation regarding how your own personality was constructed or developed and influenced.
- Critically evaluate, is Strawson right? Is no one responsible?