Fatlism: The Theory Of Determinism And Fatalism

Is how we act is predetermined by a number of factors beyond our control or are we simply able to make choices that are not determined by our dispositions or desirers. This notion of freewill has been debated by theorists for centuries. Hard Determinists say that how we act is due to a combination of genetic factors and the environment around us. A similar notion is Fatalism where how is act is predetermined by a higher power. However Compatabalists think that how we act is a combination of freewill and what environmental and genetic endowments have been bestowed to us. This paper will critically discuss these theories and how human beings are capable of freewill. The theory of determinism rules out the claim that human beings have free will.

If fate did have something to do with certain coincidences and does exist then does this mean we have free will? Or are our actions controlled by the theory of Fatalism? Fatalism agrees with determinism in the argument that human beings do not have free will (Stallknecht, N. P. 1937). However fatalism is a completely different theory from determinism, as it is the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable (Sober, E. 2009). If the theory of fatalism were true then the future is independent of what you do in the present, we each have a future laid out for us and we have no power to change that. As if some higher power has control over our actions. For example, some people would say it was fate that stopped them from getting on a plane that ended up crashing (Sober, E. 2009). A popular greek myth about fatalism is the story of Oedipus whose fate was decided by a higher power that he would kill his father and marry his mother. No mater what choices he made he still ended up with the same fate (Sober, E. 2009). Fatalism, unlike determinism leaves no room for change or chance and our futures are permanently fixed and it also rules out moral reasoning (Sober, E. 2009). Determinism isn’t set in stone, how we were caused to act today could completely

2009). This theory agrees that we are determined by our generics and environment but this does not does not stop us from having cause and effect to our actions and the free will to make choices and moral responsibilities within our life (Sober, E. 2009). Where as determinism is saying that we can not have cause and effect and freewill at the same time (Sober, E. 2009). The theorist David Hume believed an action is free if you could of done otherwise if you wanted to. If you had the option to chose between salad or chocolate cake for lunch, then you are free to make that choice. Obviously your genetics may mean you are more prone to sweet food than savoury or perhaps environmental factors were involved such as the lettuce in the salad may of been wilted and made the salad look unappetising. This choice is a casual one that you have control over and is in alignment with your beliefs and desires you will choose the outcome that you desire even if you choose not to choose any of those options (Sober, E. 2009). An unfree choice is one that does not act in accordance with your beliefs and desires. For example if your parents made you go to church as a child but you would of preferred to stay home and play video games then you are not free to have a choice, you must go to church (Sober, E. 2009). The theory of Compatibilism is one of the