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Write a 2 pages paper on compare and contrast the concepts of determinism, compatibilism, and libertarianism, as outlined in chapter 4. what are the strengths and weaknesses of each of these positions which one do you believe is the most likely to be correct why. Compatibilism, Libertarianism and Determinism: An Endless Debate The concept of Compatibilism, Libertarianism and Determinism arises from the philosophy of free will. The existence of moral responsibility cannot be denied nor can be the issues regarding the debate of free will (Inwagen, 2008).Compatibilism is the neutral approach towards the concepts of more opposing views of Determinism and libertarianism. Determinism is of the view that each action and decision made by a human is determined, hence dependant, on the other factors such as past actions and decisions. Whereas Libertarianism is based on the free will theory, hence is based on the moral responsibility (Morse, 2009). No conclusion has yet been reached so far. however, each individual has their own standpoint regarding these three perspectives.

The basic contradiction lies in the ownership or the free will of actions. If one acts according to his own free will regardless of any other laws and principles then he would take full moral responsibility because freedom and responsibility goes hand in hand. If a person abides by the laws and rules then his actions would be determined and defined by these external factors .this is the reason why criminal and civil laws are based on the determinism (Morse, 2009).

Another important point of difference is highlighted by optimism and pessimism. Compatibilism is seen as an optimist approach which gives credit to the actions of moral responsibility regardless of supporting the determinism theory. Libertarianism in contrast is regarded as a pessimistic approach which denies determinism and favors to give credit for the free will actions (Russell, 2010).

Moral responsibility and free will can be defined in terms of control. Control is another contrasting feature underlying the theories. Control is necessary when it comes to freedom related to the moral responsibility. Compatibilism and Libertarianism is about control whereas determinism is determined by other factors and control is not exercised (Harrison, 2006).

To rationalize an act in the given context is another ability that defines these three theories. Children and adults have different sense of rationality. This idea supports the Determinism. Criminal law also supports determinism in which a person’s mind is responsible for the guilt or the criminal acts executed by the person. However, this does not imply that determinism is related to the crimes and guilt only. it is equally applicable to the acts of innocence (Morse, 2009).

Attitudes and behaviors always have some background reason. There is always a justification and rationality for a certain kind of behavior and attitude. The explanation for the reason can belong to any field of sciences, but the reason always exists. This notion is justified by the Determinism that each action, behavior, decision and attitude is an end result of some unavoidable and important cause or happening.

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Works Cited

Harrison, G. (2006). The Case for Hyper Libertarianism. KRITERION.

Inwagen, P. v. (2008). How to Think about the Problem of Free Will. Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008.

Morse, S. J. (2009). Actions Speak Louder than. American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Russell, P. (2010). Moral Sense and the Foundation Of Responsibilty. Robert Kane,ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press).