Peter Van Inwagen's Determinism
- Created by: A. Person
- Created on: 25-03-16 14:30
Determinism: Inwagen defines this as follows.
a) For each instant, there is a proposition that expresses the state of the world at that instant.
b) If A and B are propositions expressing states of the world, then the conjunction of A ^ laws of nature entail B.
Thus, there's only one possible future.
Two key arguments:
1. Consequence argument - the consequences of the past determine the future
2. Mind argument - free will not compatible with indeterminism
Analysis of 'can': 'X could have rendered [proposition] false'.
Inwagen's Argument:
Inwagen wants to show that if determinism is correct, X could not have done otherwise.
Eg. A judge who had to raise his han at time T to prevent an execution - after rational deliberation, J does not raise his hand.
T = time when judge raises his hand.
T0 = time before J's birth.
P0 = state of the world at T0.
P = state of the world at time T.
L = All laws of nature.
1. Determinism is true. So, P0 and L entail P.
2. Had J raised his hand at T, P would be false.
3. L is true. If J could averaised his hand a time T, he could have rendered P false.
4. Because P0 + L entail P…
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