Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.7906/indecs.24.2.2

A Note on Determinism and Deliberation

Davor Pećnjak ; Institute of Philosophy, Zagreb, Croatia *
Zvonimir Anić ; University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

In this article, we take metaphysical standpoint and examine what would be the consequences for deliberation if the thesis of determnism is true and if libertarianism is true. We take that deliberation is an active rather than passive process. We try to show that if determinism is true, than there is no, in fact, anything like deliberation. Moreover, if determinism is true, subjects cannot not to enter their chain of thoughts, if it is determined by initial states and laws of nature. Under determinism, any event, so any chain of thoughts as well, is fully determined, as well as there is the only one determined outcome of such a chain. If libertarianism is true, then one who thinks that determinism is true can deliberate in fact, although he is wrong about the metaphysical structure of his world. We explore some other details as well.

Keywords

deliberation; determinism; free will; libertarianism

Hrčak ID:

345586

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345586

Publication date:

20.3.2026.

Visits: 147 *