Hard determinism is the theory that human behaviour and actions are wholly determined by external factors, and therefore humans do not have genuine free will or ethical accountability. There are several different supporting views for this belief. Hard determinism is underpinned by the work of Isaac Newton’s theory of scientific laws which is that we are completely governed by these laws. According to these laws one does not have moral responsibility for their actions as they were predetermined by a ‘higher power’. Hence why, natural laws such as gravity and motion assist in forming the basis for the cause and effect that fills the discussion of hard determinism.
A second challenge of Hume is that we are able to possibly imagine that something can cause itself into existence. This challenge severely weaken's Aquinas argument from cause as it suggests that in fact there is no need for a fist cause as regress of cause and effect is disrupted. Anscombe's response to Hume is, in "When there is a beginning there must be a cause: Hume's argument exposed," that it may be possible to imagine this being the case but it is illogical to suppose that this is the case as it is a "contradiction to absurdity" to decide that "it could be" therefore "it is." It is similar to imagine that a magician may be able to pull a rabbit out of a hat without any prior knowledge of its existence but to suppose it is the case that this has happened is illogical. However modern theoretical and quantum physicists have begun to produce evidence that it is perhaps evident that energy has the ability to come into existence of its own accord which would
However determinism take an opposite view to this; hard determinism is the theory that everything in the universe, including all human actions and choices has a cause which proceeds it. So whatever we do, we could never have done otherwise, whether we feel we have a choice or not. Soft determinism, on the other hand is a view that although the main events and decisions in our lives are determined, we can choose our own path as autonomous individuals to get there. Hard determinists would agree that ethical statements are merely the result of social conditioning as they believe that everything is determined by a cause. In this case, the cause would be social conditioning – Baroch Spinoza said that although we may think that we are free, we are not, we are merely aware of our actions.
It is presented from both a negative and positive perspective. On one hand, the shaper, a poet, inspires people through his stories “beyond the pointless round of mere existence” (EBSCO 1). Grendel though, does not like the positivism and he identifies with the dragon. The dragon represents the negative side of art; he “holds the universe to be meaningless” (EBSCO 1). Because Grendel is and intelligent being, he is tempted by the art.
Beauty cannot be defined objectively, and therefore cannot be used as a criterion to define what is, or is not, art. The aim of art is not merely to produce beauty, or to provide pleasure, enjoyment, or entertainment. Art is a means of communication, and is an important means of expression of any experience, or of any aspect of the human condition,” (Scott). In short, Tolstoy believes that because “beauty” is subjective, the value of art is determined by its ability to infect viewers with human emotion and experience. Ultimately, Tolstoy’s definition of art relies on function and infectiousness.
Mo-tzu presented a very well thought of argument against music . This can be seen when he stated Although the body knows they are comfortable , the mouth knows they are gratifying , the eyes know they are delightful , and the ears know they are pleasing , yet they are found not to be in accordance with the deeds of the sage-kings of antiquity and not to contribute to the benefits of the people at present (Par .1 , Book VIII , Chapter XXXII In saying this , he implied that music did not have anything to do with the greatness and success of the sage-kings . that it did not fulfill the basic needs , unlike the boats and the carts that were built from the same contribution of the ancient citizens . It slowed production by wasting labor on things
On the other hand, the individual is completely separate or unique from the group. The institution, in nature, is going to impact on the individual. In order to operate successfully, the institution must impose rules to maintain balance. The aspects of this issue which is highlighted in the prescribed text “Raw” by Scott Monk, includes the positive effect by the institution onto the individual, the negative effect of the institution
Determinism takes away any need for praise or blame because if our lives are determined, we are never responsible for the things we do. With determinism, making moral choices is not meaningful and it is still possible to make immoral
He argued that cause and effect can only be applied to the world. And therefore gives no justification for saying that it also applies to the spiritual world. He believed that it was impossible for people to have any knowledge of what God created or of God himself because out knowledge cannot be extended to ask questions that transcends our
It can be argued from the anarchist perspective that the state is an oppressive body, which undermines human reason and the capacity for self governance. Laws do not solve the problem, rather they make individuals dependant on outside authorities, to regulate out lives and provide answers for problems that may arise. Therefore, we lose our reason and ability to think for ourselves, we lose out natural autonomy. Thus a state has the opportunity to put a moral code upon us which we cannot question as we become dependant on the rules of the state. Godwin argued that human beings are naturally rational and have the