Determinism vs Free Will: Crash Course Philosophy

The video explores the philosophical debate between libertarian free will and hard determinism. It begins with the story of Oedipus to illustrate the concept of fate. Libertarian free will suggests that humans can make free choices, while hard determinism argues that every action is determined by prior events. The video discusses reductionism, which ties mental states to physical brain states, supporting determinism. It concludes by highlighting the challenges of reconciling free will with determinism and the implications for personal responsibility.

What is the central theme of the story of Oedipus as discussed in the text?

How does libertarian free will differ from hard determinism according to the text?

What is the principle of alternate possibilities and how does it relate to free actions?

What is reductionism and how does it relate to the discussion of free will?

In what ways do beliefs, desires, and temperament influence our actions according to hard determinism?

What arguments do hard determinists present against the concept of free will?

What implications does the belief in hard determinism have on personal responsibility?