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How does free will fit into the debate between determinism and indeterminism in philosophy of religion?

Angeline Meffen

Free will is a concept that has been debated for centuries, particularly in philosophy of religion. The debate between determinism and indeterminism has played a significant role in shaping discussions around this issue. Determinism posits that everything that happens is predetermined, meaning that free will does not exist. Indeterminism, on the other hand, argues that events do not have a predetermined cause, and hence, free will exists. However, it is not as simple as determining which of these views is correct. This question raises complex philosophical, scientific, and theological issues.

One way to approach this question is to consider how free will fits into two common forms of determinism. First, there is theological determinism, which posits that God determines everything that happens in the world. This view is often associated with Calvinism, which argues that humans lack free will entirely. According to Calvinism, everything is predetermined by God, and human actions play no role in shaping the outcome of events. Free will, in this view, is an illusion.

Second, there is physical determinism, which argues that everything that happens in the world is the result of physical causes and laws. This view is often associated with the natural sciences and has been supported by scientific evidence for centuries. According to physical determinism, every thought, action, and decision is the result of physical processes in the brain. In this view, free will is an illusion because everything is predetermined by physical laws and causes.

Indeterminism, however, avoids these problems altogether. It posits that some events do not have a predetermined cause, which allows for the possibility of free will. Indeterminism argues that our choices are not determined by past events or physical laws, but rather that they are caused by factors outside of physical determinism, such as the intervention of God or a conscious agent. This view suggests that free will exists because we can make choices that are not predetermined by past events or physical laws.

The debate between determinism and indeterminism is, therefore, a crucial one for understanding the relationship between free will and religion. While some forms of determinism reject free will entirely, indeterminism suggests that free will can exist alongside religious beliefs. Ultimately, the question of how free will fits into the debate between determinism and indeterminism requires careful consideration of philosophical, scientific, and theological arguments, indicating that this issue is far from resolved. As such, understanding the complexities and nuances of this debate is essential for anyone interested in philosophy of religion.