Philosophy 1

Second Paper Assignment

Free Will and the Burden of Proof

In the free will debate, there are a variety of claims made about whether determinism or libertarianism should be granted the presumption of truth. On the one side, Holbach argues that every event is determined by a preceding cause. If this principle is crucial for the attempt to explain reality and has been supported by the discoveries in the natural sciences, shouldn’t we place the burden of proof on libertarians to demonstrate that there are uncaused events? On the other hand, the fact that we deliberate and hold individuals responsible for their actions suggests that the vast majority of people assume that human beings are able to act spontaneously. As a result, shouldn’t the burden of proof be placed on determinists? In your paper, summarize each of these claims, and then state and defend your own view.

Two pages, double spaced, stapled.

Due Friday, May 9^th at the beginning of discussion sections.