Determinism is the belief that everything that happens is determined by preceding events and conditions and is therefore inevitable. There are two main types of determinism: hard determinism and soft determinism. Hard determinism asserts that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by prior causes and are therefore unavoidable. Soft determinism, also known as compatibilism, holds that while all events are determined, it is still possible for humans to act freely and bear moral responsibility for their actions.
One variation of soft determinism is called "stop and go determinism." This theory asserts that while the overall trajectory of an individual's life is determined by past events and conditions, there are still "stops" along the way where the individual has the freedom to choose their own path. These stops are referred to as "indeterminate moments," or points in time where the individual has the ability to make a choice that is not predetermined by past events.
One example of a stop in this theory might be a decision to go to college or not. While an individual's past experiences, education, and other factors may influence their decision, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether to pursue higher education. This decision can have a significant impact on the trajectory of their life, as it may open up new opportunities and experiences that were not previously available.
Critics of stop and go determinism argue that the theory does not adequately address the problem of free will. They claim that if an individual's overall trajectory is determined by past events, then it is not truly free choice at the indeterminate moments. Others argue that stop and go determinism does not provide a clear explanation for how an individual's choices at indeterminate moments can have such a significant impact on their life.
Despite these criticisms, stop and go determinism remains a popular theory among philosophers. It provides a middle ground between hard determinism and the belief in complete free will, allowing for the possibility of human agency while still recognizing the role of past events and conditions in shaping our lives.
Overall, stop and go determinism is an interesting theory that offers a unique perspective on the concept of determinism and the role of free will in our lives. While it may not be the final word on the subject, it provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the nature of determinism and the extent of human agency.
