Free Will vs. Determinism: Explore the Philosophical Debate

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of hard determinism?

Accepted Answer

Human actions are fully predictable

Answer

Moral responsibility is impossible

Answer

All events are predetermined

Answer

Free will is an illusion

Question 2

What is the key idea behind the 'principle of alternative possibilities' in the context of free will?

Accepted Answer

We can only be held responsible for actions that we could have done otherwise

Answer

The future is not predetermined

Answer

Our choices are influenced by our past experiences

Answer

Moral responsibility requires that our actions be voluntary

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'quantum indeterminacy' argument in the debate on free will?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that physical processes may not be fully deterministic

Answer

It provides a scientific basis for libertarian free will

Answer

It undermines the principle of causality

Answer

It has no relevance to the philosophical debate on free will

Question 4

Which of the following is a key criticism of the 'compatibilist' account of free will?

Accepted Answer

It does not allow for genuine freedom of choice

Answer

It is based on a flawed understanding of causality

Answer

It is incompatible with moral responsibility

Answer

It relies on a false dichotomy between determinism and free will

Question 5

What is the central claim of the 'illusion of choice' argument against free will?

Accepted Answer

Our subjective experience of choice is an illusion

Answer

Our choices are often determined by factors beyond our immediate control

Answer

Moral responsibility is a social construct

Answer

Free will is incompatible with the laws of nature

Question 6

What is the 'compatibilist' view on the relationship between free will and moral responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Moral responsibility is possible even in the absence of free will

Answer

Free will is necessary for moral responsibility

Answer

Free will and moral responsibility are unrelated concepts

Answer

Moral responsibility is incompatible with both free will and determinism

Question 7

Which of the following arguments supports the idea that individuals have free will?

Accepted Answer

Libertarianism

Answer

Determinism

Answer

Compatibilism

Answer

Hard Determinism

Question 8

According to hard determinism, human actions are:

Accepted Answer

Ultimately caused by prior events and natural laws

Answer

Caused by a combination of internal and external factors

Answer

Freely chosen by the individual

Answer

Not causally determined whatsoever

Question 9

According to soft determinism, our actions are:

Accepted Answer

Influenced but not wholly determined by prior causes

Answer

Completely determined by prior causes

Answer

Unpredictable and uncaused

Answer

Freely chosen despite any external influences

Question 10

Hard determinism primarily challenges the concept of:

Accepted Answer

Freedom of choice

Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Moral responsibility

Answer

The existence of God

Question 11

A defining characteristic of libertarian free will is:

Accepted Answer

Volition independent of external influences

Answer

Compatibility with scientific determinism

Answer

Absence of genuine moral responsibility

Answer

Causation based on prior events and laws

Question 12

According to soft determinism, our choices are influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Both internal and external factors

Answer

Only our own conscious decisions

Answer

Only external factors beyond our control

Answer

Predetermined by divine providence

Question 13

Which philosopher argued that human actions are predetermined by a causal chain?

Accepted Answer

David Hume

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Jean-Paul Sartre

Question 14

According to compatibilism, how do free will and determinism relate?

Accepted Answer

Free will is reconcilable with determinism under specific conditions.

Answer

They are mutually exclusive.

Answer

Determinism implies free will.

Answer

They are both illusions.

Question 15

What is the core idea of Daniel Wegner's 'illusion of freedom' theory?

Accepted Answer

We experience a sense of freedom even though our actions are causally predetermined.

Answer

Free will is a societal construct that aids in maintaining social order.

Answer

Our limited self-control leads us to believe we are free.

Answer

Our consciousness is unaware of the processes that guide our actions.

Question 16

Which concept is central to the argument that determinism undermines moral responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Control

Answer

Intentionality

Answer

Causation

Answer

Foreseeability

Question 17

How does agent causation differ from event causation?

Accepted Answer

Agent causation involves a conscious agent, while event causation is solely physical.

Answer

Agent causation is retrospective, while event causation is prospective.

Answer

Agent causation is deterministic, while event causation is indeterministic.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between agent causation and event causation.

Question 18

Which of the following is an argument against free will?

Accepted Answer

Determinism is true

Answer

Our actions are not predetermined

Answer

We have the ability to make choices

Question 19

According to determinism, our actions are:

Accepted Answer

Caused by prior events and circumstances

Answer

Random and unpredictable

Answer

Predetermined by a higher power

Answer

Entirely up to our own free will

Question 20

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the idea of compatibilism?

Accepted Answer

Peter Strawson

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

David Hume

Question 21

What is the main difference between hard determinism and soft determinism?

Accepted Answer

Hard determinism denies any genuine freedom of the will, while soft determinism allows for some freedom within limits

Answer

Hard determinism is based on scientific evidence, while soft determinism is based on philosophical arguments

Answer

Hard determinism is incompatible with moral responsibility, while soft determinism is not

Question 22

What is the significance of the idea of 'moral luck' in the debate between free will and determinism?

Accepted Answer

It highlights the role of external factors in determining our actions and the consequences of our actions

Answer

It is only relevant in cases of extreme misfortune

Answer

It supports the argument that free will is an illusion