Question

How does pragmatism by William james debate about the Free Will vs Determinisim is similar to pascal's wager? Need full explanation please

Answer 1

Pragmatism is something which supports and promotes free will. It says that our own ideas and thoughts define our personality. Our thoughts direct us towards reaching to a situation in which we can make effective decisions. Determinism is something which can take our free will away from our true personality.

Determinism says that each and every behavior has a cause. That cause can make a certain behavior predictable. If we are hungry then it is definite that we will try for getting food. Free will is being considered as an illusion. We may think that we have a freedom of expression.

It does not mean that we can express our all the feelings each and every time. We can not sing a song in loud voice while other people in neighbourhood are sleeping. We can not abuse someone just because we have freedom of expressions.

Our rights come with certain responsibilities. We should exercise our rights with full responsibilities. There exists very thin line among different different aspects and we need to maintain a balance among all those aspects.