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Libertarianism: Defying Determinism and Embracing True Freedom

Description: Libertarianism: Defying Determinism and Embracing True Freedom
Number of Questions: 12
Created by:
Tags: philosophy philosophy of mind libertarianism free will determinism
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What is the central tenet of libertarianism in the context of free will?

  1. The belief that free will is an illusion.

  2. The belief that free will is compatible with determinism.

  3. The belief that free will is incompatible with determinism.

  4. The belief that free will is a matter of chance.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Libertarians argue that if determinism is true, then our actions are predetermined and we have no real choice in the matter. This would mean that we are not morally responsible for our actions, which libertarians find unacceptable.

According to libertarianism, what is the source of our free will?

  1. Our rational faculties.

  2. Our emotions.

  3. Our unconscious desires.

  4. Divine intervention.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Libertarians believe that our free will stems from our ability to reason and make choices. They argue that we have the power to choose between different courses of action, even if those choices are constrained by our circumstances.

Which philosopher is most closely associated with libertarianism?

  1. René Descartes.

  2. John Locke.

  3. David Hume.

  4. Immanuel Kant.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

René Descartes is often considered the father of libertarianism. In his book Meditations on First Philosophy, he argued that the mind and the body are separate entities and that the mind has the power to choose freely.

What is the main argument against libertarianism?

  1. The argument from determinism.

  2. The argument from moral responsibility.

  3. The argument from common sense.

  4. The argument from neuroscience.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The most common argument against libertarianism is the argument from determinism. This argument states that if determinism is true, then our actions are predetermined and we have no real choice in the matter. This would mean that we are not morally responsible for our actions, which many people find unacceptable.

How do libertarians respond to the argument from determinism?

  1. They deny that determinism is true.

  2. They argue that determinism is compatible with free will.

  3. They argue that moral responsibility does not require free will.

  4. They argue that neuroscience supports the existence of free will.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Libertarians typically respond to the argument from determinism by arguing that determinism is compatible with free will. They argue that even if our actions are predetermined, we still have the power to choose between different courses of action. This is because our choices are not determined by external factors, but rather by our own internal mental states.

What is the libertarian solution to the problem of evil?

  1. They deny that evil exists.

  2. They argue that evil is a necessary part of the universe.

  3. They argue that evil is the result of human free will.

  4. They argue that evil is a mystery that cannot be explained.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Libertarians typically argue that evil is the result of human free will. They argue that if we have free will, then we have the power to choose to do evil. This does not mean that libertarians believe that evil is good, but rather that it is a necessary consequence of free will.

How does libertarianism differ from compatibilism?

  1. Libertarians believe that free will is incompatible with determinism, while compatibilists believe that free will is compatible with determinism.

  2. Libertarians believe that moral responsibility requires free will, while compatibilists believe that moral responsibility does not require free will.

  3. Libertarians believe that neuroscience supports the existence of free will, while compatibilists believe that neuroscience does not support the existence of free will.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Libertarianism differs from compatibilism in all of the ways listed above. Libertarians believe that free will is incompatible with determinism, while compatibilists believe that free will is compatible with determinism. Libertarians also believe that moral responsibility requires free will, while compatibilists believe that moral responsibility does not require free will. Finally, libertarians believe that neuroscience supports the existence of free will, while compatibilists believe that neuroscience does not support the existence of free will.

What are some of the implications of libertarianism for our understanding of human nature?

  1. Libertarians believe that humans are fundamentally free and responsible beings.

  2. Libertarians believe that humans are not subject to the laws of nature.

  3. Libertarians believe that humans are capable of perfect moral goodness.

  4. None of the above.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Libertarians believe that humans are fundamentally free and responsible beings. This is because they believe that we have the power to choose between different courses of action, even if those choices are constrained by our circumstances. This means that we are responsible for our own actions and that we cannot blame our circumstances for our mistakes.

What are some of the implications of libertarianism for our understanding of political and social institutions?

  1. Libertarians believe that the government should be limited in its powers.

  2. Libertarians believe that the government should promote individual liberty.

  3. Libertarians believe that the government should redistribute wealth.

  4. None of the above.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Libertarians believe that the government should be limited in its powers because they believe that individual liberty is the most important political value. They argue that the government should only be allowed to do those things that are necessary to protect individual liberty. This means that the government should not be allowed to interfere in the economy, to regulate personal behavior, or to redistribute wealth.

What are some of the criticisms of libertarianism?

  1. Libertarianism is unrealistic.

  2. Libertarianism is impractical.

  3. Libertarianism is unjust.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Libertarianism has been criticized on a number of grounds. Some critics argue that it is unrealistic because it assumes that humans are perfectly rational and self-interested beings. Others argue that it is impractical because it would lead to a society in which the strong prey on the weak. Still others argue that it is unjust because it would allow the wealthy and powerful to exploit the poor and vulnerable.

Despite these criticisms, libertarianism remains a popular philosophy. Why do you think this is the case?

  1. Libertarianism appeals to our sense of individual freedom.

  2. Libertarianism offers a simple and straightforward explanation for the problem of evil.

  3. Libertarianism is compatible with a wide range of religious and philosophical beliefs.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Libertarianism remains a popular philosophy for a number of reasons. First, it appeals to our sense of individual freedom. We all want to be free to make our own choices and to live our lives as we see fit. Libertarianism offers a philosophical framework that supports this desire for individual freedom. Second, libertarianism offers a simple and straightforward explanation for the problem of evil. Libertarians argue that evil is the result of human free will. This explanation is appealing because it does not require us to believe in a malevolent God or in a universe that is fundamentally flawed. Third, libertarianism is compatible with a wide range of religious and philosophical beliefs. This makes it attractive to people from a variety of backgrounds.

In your opinion, is libertarianism a valid philosophy?

  1. Yes.

  2. No.

  3. I'm not sure.


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Whether or not libertarianism is a valid philosophy is a matter of opinion. There are strong arguments both for and against libertarianism. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they find libertarianism to be a convincing philosophy.

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