Free Will, Determinism, and Epiphenomenalism

Free Will and Determinism

1. Explain the difference between scientific and “soft” determinism. 2. What is the one miracle that would happen in a predeterministic universe? 3. Explain the difference between predestination and fatalism. How does the short characterization of the doctrine of fatalism in this chapter differ from the lexical definition of “fatalism”? 4. If our choices are not due to chance, reason, or causes...

A study of Determinism and Free-will in Persian Proverbs

Proverbs as a part of colloquial literature are always nourished by religion, culture, traditions, and philosophical beliefs of a community, and thus they mirror the common beliefs of a people. The frequent repletion of a proverb pregnant with a specific thought makes that type of thought a behavioral pattern and affects the actions and behaviors of the people of a society. In the Iranian socie...

Brain Determinism and Free Will

The article focuses on the issue of brain determinism, by examining two recent neuroscientific experiments (Libet’s and Haynes’ experiments about conscious acts). Such experiments aim to show a cerebral determination of the agent’s free choices. The author argues that even if their conclusions were true, that would not eliminate the common use of the concept of free will and the attribution of ...

The Role of Fakr Razi’s Theological Presuppositions his Interpretation of the verses about Determinism and Free Will

Abstract: According to the prophetic traditions Interpreting Qur’anic verses based on personal opinions is one of the important points that should be avoided. One of its examples is involving personal theological opinions and principles -which are merely unrevised personal inferences- in interpretation of Quran. Fakhr Razi, according to the Ash'arites, has a deterministic view.  This is quite ...

Willusionism, epiphenomenalism, and the feeling of conscious will