Argument and Logic

An argument consists of a position or belief in regard to an issue and some sort of evidence or proof to support the position. Logic is the study of the argument to see how well the evidence supports the position held (Moore-Bruder, Philosophy: The Power of Ideas Seventh Edition, 2008). Of the argument free will versus determinism, two arguments are given; the first, that all atoms are governed by physical laws, and the second that humans have free will. The book says that these opinions, although widely held are at odds with each other. If atoms are governed by physical laws it means actions are predetermined and orderly following specific rules, if Humans do have free will then atoms are not governed by physical law and obey no rules (Moore-Bruder, Philosophy: The Power of Ideas Seventh Edition Chapter 2 Metaphysics and Epistemology:, 2008).

The first two arguments hold true, the third argument that the first two are at odds with one another gives assumptions as supportive evidence. I see no real strength to this argument because it measures something that physically exists and another thing that exists purely in the realm of ideas, comparing apples to oranges one might say. It does hold true that atoms obey physical rules this can be measured in many ways scientifically. One example is gravity, or the way centrifugal force and gravity determine the moon's distance from Earth can be measured mathematically, so the first argument seems true. These items they test exist in a physical form and my will is not measurable physically. I can predict when the sun will rise tomorrow, I cannot predict when I'll decide to take a shower it can change at any moment, my will affects the physical laws that govern atoms. I will myself to take the shower, I could decide not to shower at all, even if I physically stink or have dirt all over me.

My free will is limited in its capacity to affect the physical universe. Freedom does not imply freedom from causality or the material word. Free will allows for restrain or compulsion and influence the physical word through causality. The physical laws that govern atoms also constrain the wills ability to influence the material world through causal means.

Works Cited

Moore-Bruder. (2008). Philosophy: The Power of Ideas Seventh Edition. The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Moore-Bruder. (2008). Philosophy: The Power of Ideas Seventh Edition Chapter 2 Metaphysics and Epistemology:. The McGraw-Will Companies.