Question

Does causal determinism undermine free will and moral responsibility? Suppose that everything you do is ultimately causally determined by your genes and upbringing and other things you don't control. Are you really responsible for what you do? Does it make sense to praise, blame, reward, or punish you? Explain and discuss, supporting your answer with reasons (include discussion of some of the theories/argument from the free will module).

Your discussion post should be well written and structured (like an essay), and be at least 350 words long

Answer 1

Casual determinism does not undermine free will and moral responsibility. Though, upbringing and genes has some link to our behavior, not all behavior has some link to it. There are situations, where we think what to do, what actions to take. That is, free will. If we choose doing the right, then we become morally responsible. Genes and upbringing predisposes to certain behaviour more than others, however, it does not dictate our actions. We are capable of thinking and making a choice. This thinking and choice, is away from genes and upbringing and free will has more influence. Through experience and knowledge, we get to know what is right and wrong. With the free will, we can do the right or wrong.

Libertarianism says that free will is real. Robert Kane, incompatibilist philosopher favours free will and says people are responsible for their actions.