1. Philosophy Oct. 31st Objective
Show understanding of Determinism by creating a brochure for a deterministic society.
Opener:
Can uncaused actions be considered free actions?

2. Thought Probe: Living with Hard Determinism
Suppose that the hard determinists are right and there is no free will.
How would we have to change society to accommodate that fact? What social institutions would we have to abolish or create? Could we do it? Why or why not?

3. Indeterminism The doctrine that free actions are uncaused.
In this view, many possible futures are open to us.

4. Thought Experiment: Taylor’s Unpredictable Arm
Suppose that Taylor’s arm movements are undetermined or random.
If his arm hit someone, he wouldn’t be responsible for it because he didn’t cause his arm to move.
So it seems that uncaused actions can’t be considered free actions.

5. Causality and Action
An uncaused event can’t be a free action because actions require intentions.
For example: reflexes are not actions because you did not intend for them to happen.
If you didn’t intend something to happen—if it was an accident, say— you can’t be held fully responsible for it.

6. Freedom from Free Will -article
How does Clark define Free Will?
What are the 5 implications of us not having contra-causal freedom discussed here?
Contra-causal: The power to make a choice that is both reasoned and free from external causes.
What is your reaction? Do you agree? Disagree?

7. Project: Brochure
Today, you will choose a partner and start brainstorming
You will have more information and time next class to continue working
Due: Nov. 4th
Create a society based on the philosophy of Hard Determinism
Explain
How this new society is different to accommodate Determinism.
Describe the institutions that have been changed, or created.
Visuals can be printed or drawn.

8. Work on Brochure Homework:
Section 2 Study Questions and Discussion Questions
“Let’s All Stop Beating Basil’s Car” essay questions pg