The Free Will Debate

Description: The Free Will Debate is a philosophical discussion about the existence of free will and the extent to which our actions are determined by external factors. This quiz explores various perspectives on free will, determinism, and moral responsibility.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: philosophy free will determinism moral responsibility
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Which philosophical position holds that our actions are entirely determined by prior causes and that free will is an illusion?

  1. Compatibilism

  2. Determinism

  3. Libertarianism

  4. Compatibilism


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Determinism asserts that every event, including human actions, is causally determined by preceding events and conditions, leaving no room for genuine free will.

According to compatibilists, how can free will and determinism coexist?

  1. By defining free will as the ability to act according to one's desires.

  2. By arguing that determinism applies only to physical events, not to mental events.

  3. By positing the existence of an immaterial soul that is not subject to physical determinism.

  4. By claiming that free will is an illusion and that determinism is the only valid perspective.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Compatibilists argue that free will consists in the ability to act in accordance with one's desires or values, even if those desires or values are themselves causally determined.

Libertarians argue that free will requires what essential condition?

  1. The absence of any external constraints on one's actions.

  2. The ability to make choices that are not causally determined.

  3. The possession of a rational mind capable of deliberation.

  4. The existence of an immaterial soul that is the source of one's free will.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Libertarians maintain that true free will involves the ability to make choices that are not causally determined by prior events or conditions.

In the context of the free will debate, what is the term for the idea that our moral responsibility for our actions depends on our having free will?

  1. Moral determinism

  2. Moral luck

  3. Moral responsibility

  4. Moral compatibilism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Moral responsibility refers to the idea that individuals are morally accountable for their actions only if they had the freedom to choose otherwise.

Which philosophical position holds that our actions are influenced by both external factors and our own free will?

  1. Compatibilism

  2. Determinism

  3. Libertarianism

  4. Compatibilism


Correct Option: A,D
Explanation:

Compatibilism seeks to reconcile the concepts of free will and determinism by arguing that both can coexist. It posits that our actions are influenced by both external factors and our own volitions.

According to hard determinists, what is the relationship between our actions and prior causes?

  1. Our actions are entirely determined by prior causes.

  2. Our actions are partially determined by prior causes.

  3. Our actions are not determined by prior causes.

  4. Our actions are randomly determined.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Hard determinists assert that every event, including human actions, is causally determined by preceding events and conditions, leaving no room for genuine free will.

Which philosophical position rejects the idea of free will and argues that all events, including human actions, are predetermined?

  1. Compatibilism

  2. Determinism

  3. Libertarianism

  4. Determinism


Correct Option: B,D
Explanation:

Determinism is the philosophical position that holds that all events, including human actions, are causally determined by preceding events and conditions, leaving no room for genuine free will.

What is the term for the idea that our moral responsibility for our actions does not depend on our having free will?

  1. Moral determinism

  2. Moral luck

  3. Moral responsibility

  4. Moral compatibilism


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Moral luck refers to the idea that the moral significance of our actions can be affected by factors beyond our control, such as luck or circumstance.

According to soft determinists, what is the relationship between our actions and prior causes?

  1. Our actions are entirely determined by prior causes.

  2. Our actions are partially determined by prior causes.

  3. Our actions are not determined by prior causes.

  4. Our actions are randomly determined.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Soft determinists argue that while our actions are influenced by prior causes, they are not entirely determined by them. They maintain that we still have some degree of freedom and control over our choices.

Which philosophical position holds that our actions are determined by our desires and beliefs, and that free will is an illusion?

  1. Compatibilism

  2. Determinism

  3. Libertarianism

  4. Determinism


Correct Option: B,D
Explanation:

Determinism asserts that every event, including human actions, is causally determined by preceding events and conditions, leaving no room for genuine free will.

What is the term for the idea that our moral responsibility for our actions depends on our having the ability to choose otherwise?

  1. Moral determinism

  2. Moral luck

  3. Moral responsibility

  4. Moral compatibilism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Moral responsibility refers to the idea that individuals are morally accountable for their actions only if they had the freedom to choose otherwise.

Which philosophical position holds that our actions are entirely determined by our genes and environment, and that free will is an illusion?

  1. Compatibilism

  2. Determinism

  3. Libertarianism

  4. Determinism


Correct Option: B,D
Explanation:

Determinism asserts that every event, including human actions, is causally determined by preceding events and conditions, leaving no room for genuine free will.

What is the term for the idea that our moral responsibility for our actions does not depend on our having the ability to choose otherwise?

  1. Moral determinism

  2. Moral luck

  3. Moral responsibility

  4. Moral compatibilism


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Moral determinism is the view that our moral responsibility for our actions does not depend on our having the ability to choose otherwise. It argues that we are morally responsible for our actions even if they are causally determined.

Which philosophical position holds that our actions are entirely determined by our subconscious mind, and that free will is an illusion?

  1. Compatibilism

  2. Determinism

  3. Libertarianism

  4. Determinism


Correct Option: B,D
Explanation:

Determinism asserts that every event, including human actions, is causally determined by preceding events and conditions, leaving no room for genuine free will.

What is the term for the idea that our moral responsibility for our actions depends on our having the ability to choose otherwise?

  1. Moral determinism

  2. Moral luck

  3. Moral responsibility

  4. Moral compatibilism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Moral responsibility refers to the idea that individuals are morally accountable for their actions only if they had the freedom to choose otherwise.

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