Libertarianism - Strengths and Weaknesses

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  • Created by: Alasdair
  • Created on: 17-04-17 16:09
Criticism
What about past experiences?
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Criticism
How does one make a decision?
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Criticism
DNA - Human beings cannot chose something of their own volition
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Criticism
Freewill is an illusion
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Criticism
Absolute freewill does not create moral responsibility, they argue reverse that with freedom humans become irresponsible
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Objection
To 'feel' free is not to be free. We may simply be unaware of underlying cause.
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Objection
If our choices are uncaused, they must be random; this is at odds with freewill (which involves controlled choice). There is lots of evidence in the world of cause and effect being a true state.
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Objection
Reasons influence choices by causing them.
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Objection
Libertarians fail to recognise many determining factors (genetic, brain, socio-economic, etc.)
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Criticism
Where is the source of this "Truly Free" decision?
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Random or free?
What is the difference between truly free decision (free to make choice) and random one (no deliberate choice)- which isn't therefore "Truly free"?
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Criticism
Absolute freewill does not create moral responsibility. Reverse is true. E.g banking sector of economy where lack of regulation of banks brought about greed and with it recession of 2008/9.
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Criticism
Banking cont. Smith spoke of 'invisible hand' regulating marketplace (some believe God) but some argue when poeple have absolute freewill, there is no invisible hand to control human excess.
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Strength
Recognises people have sense of decision making, sense of deliberating over their choice, e.g. Adam Smith: when businessmen make choices they are morally responsible for them but if human beings are directed to buy a commodity, no responsibility
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Strength
Personal responsibility underpins our ethical system and allows for punishment and blame.
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Strength
Freewill is uncoerced power to choose
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Supporting
We believe strongly that we have freewill and can offer examples, e.g. we feel free
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Supporting
The approach is empowering. Allows us to be in charge of our destiny
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Supporting
Places positive emphasis on future
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Supporting
The will responds to reasons but is not caused to act (this will be explained later).
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Supporting
Determinists fail to recognise all examples of genuine free choice.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How does one make a decision?

Back

Criticism

Card 3

Front

DNA - Human beings cannot chose something of their own volition

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Freewill is an illusion

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Absolute freewill does not create moral responsibility, they argue reverse that with freedom humans become irresponsible

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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