I think it is a relevant problem to all "determinist" views, not merely Atheist views on determinism.
Apart from the obvious like Calvinism, and Islamic Predestination. Think about something like Theistic Evolution, which millions upon millions of Catholics and Protestants have adopted.
They have the same views on Genes as geneticists. But note if they introduce free will they would be being inconsistent with their own world view of evolution. They can't say "we accept evolution", but then say "we don't accept the implications of the theory" since that would be inconsistent.
To give an illustration. That would be like saying "I accept the Bible" and then not accepting the gospel or the resurrection and divinity of Christ.
Another example, would be say that you accept Jesus is God. But then say you don't accept that Jesus is distinct from the Father. (A heresy known as Modalism). It wouldn't follow to claim something like this and not accept the very implications contained.
A person who says I accept this world view, and then they don't accept the very tenants or implied concepts of that world view will probably try to introduce magic in order to escape it. But even Atheist predeterminists can play that game. Atheists can accept evolution and then say "ah but we have self awareness aswell, unlike the other species, and therefore we have the choice and option of free will".
Or an Atheist like Hitchens can simply say: "I have no choice but to have free will, that is the irony".
Well Derek I know some theist who claim they believe in evolution and reject the whole idea of genetics, I.e DNA determines the actions of individuals but yet maintain because God is the mechanical engineer of evolution that creatures have free will. Also I know evolutionist who are compatablist.
Great Find Bro.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a relevant problem to all "determinist" views, not merely Atheist views on determinism.
Apart from the obvious like Calvinism, and Islamic Predestination. Think about something like Theistic Evolution, which millions upon millions of Catholics and Protestants have adopted.
They have the same views on Genes as geneticists. But note if they introduce free will they would be being inconsistent with their own world view of evolution. They can't say "we accept evolution", but then say "we don't accept the implications of the theory" since that would be inconsistent.
To give an illustration. That would be like saying "I accept the Bible" and then not accepting the gospel or the resurrection and divinity of Christ.
ReplyDeleteAnother example, would be say that you accept Jesus is God. But then say you don't accept that Jesus is distinct from the Father. (A heresy known as Modalism). It wouldn't follow to claim something like this and not accept the very implications contained.
A person who says I accept this world view, and then they don't accept the very tenants or implied concepts of that world view will probably try to introduce magic in order to escape it. But even Atheist predeterminists can play that game. Atheists can accept evolution and then say "ah but we have self awareness aswell, unlike the other species, and therefore we have the choice and option of free will".
Or an Atheist like Hitchens can simply say: "I have no choice but to have free will, that is the irony".
Good point Derek
ReplyDeleteWell Derek I know some theist who claim they believe in evolution and reject the whole idea of genetics, I.e DNA determines the actions of individuals but yet maintain because God is the mechanical engineer of evolution that creatures have free will. Also I know evolutionist who are compatablist.
ReplyDelete