Assignment task:
Please explain:
In "Determinism al dente" Pereboom argues that believing in Hard Determinism-that is, believing that free will and responsibility are an illusion-need not have negative consequences for the way we live our lives. Indeed, he argues that our interpersonal relations (e.g., friendship) would actually be improved by abandoning the belief that others are responsible for their actions.
1) Where do you stand on this debate?
2) Do you agree with Pereboom? Or is belief in free will necessary for a meaningful life?
3) What exactly would we lose if we lose belief in free will, and what costs, if any, would that loss involve?
4) What value, if any, do you ascribe to emotions such as blame and gratitude, which seem to presuppose belief in free will and responsibility?
The goal is to think carefully about the value, or lack thereof, that belief in free will has in our lives