7.3 Hume on Liberty and Necessity

Updated: January 23, 2025

University of Oxford


Summary

The video delves into the nuanced relationship between blameworthiness and free will, emphasizing that being held accountable for actions does not necessarily negate freedom of choice. It explores the significance of moral responsibility in the context of the Free Will debate, drawing parallels between necessity and causation through repeated observations in nature. The predictability of human behavior is scrutinized, showcasing how reasoning about moral issues intertwines with external influences on decision-making. Furthermore, the intriguing paradox of individuals denying determinism while exhibiting belief in it through their behaviors is also addressed, shedding light on complex aspects of human behavior and causality perception.


Discussion on Blameworthiness and Free Will

The speaker discusses the concept of blameworthiness and its relation to free will, highlighting that blameworthiness does not always imply a lack of freedom. The contribution to the Free Will debate is explored, emphasizing the idea of moral responsibility for one's actions

Argument on Necessity and Causation

An argument on necessity and causation is presented, focusing on the observation of constant conjunctions in nature to infer causation. The speaker discusses how necessity is attributed to causation based on inference from repeated observations

Predictability of Human Behavior

The predictability of human behavior is examined, with examples of behavior being predictable in various circumstances. The speaker highlights the combination of reasoning about moral matters and the influence of external factors on human actions

Belief in Determinism

The concept of determinism is explored, with a discussion on why individuals may deny determinism despite manifesting a belief in it through their actions. The speaker presents arguments related to human behavior and the perception of causality


FAQ

Q: What is the relationship between blameworthiness and free will?

A: Blameworthiness does not always imply a lack of freedom. The concept of blameworthiness and free will can be separate ideas.

Q: How is moral responsibility discussed in relation to the Free Will debate?

A: The contribution to the Free Will debate includes exploring the idea of moral responsibility for one's actions.

Q: What argument is presented regarding necessity and causation?

A: The argument focuses on the observation of constant conjunctions in nature to infer causation. Necessity is attributed to causation based on repeated observations.

Q: How is the predictability of human behavior addressed in the discussion?

A: The predictability of human behavior is examined, with examples showing that behavior can be predictable in various circumstances.

Q: What is determinism and why do individuals sometimes deny it despite manifesting a belief in it through their actions?

A: Determinism is explored along with discussions on why individuals may deny it despite showing a belief in it through their actions. Arguments related to human behavior and the perception of causality are presented.

Logo

Get your own AI Agent Today

Thousands of businesses worldwide are using Chaindesk Generative AI platform.
Don't get left behind - start building your own custom AI chatbot now!