Soft determinists or compatibilists make a distinction between actions that have internal and external causes. Give an example of each kind of cause, and discuss at Philosophers Joseph Keim Campbell and Baron d,Holbach.

Answer 1

An internal cause refers to factors within an individual that influence their actions, such as desires, beliefs, and character traits. An example of an internal cause could be someone deciding to study hard for an exam because they have a strong desire to succeed academically and achieve good grades.

Joseph Keim Campbell, a contemporary philosopher, argues for compatibilism, which aligns with soft determinism. He believes that freedom and determinism are compatible, and individuals can be responsible for their actions even if those actions are causally determined. Campbell argues that internal causes, such as an individual's desires and beliefs, play a significant role in shaping their actions and determining their responsibility.

On the other hand, an external cause refers to factors outside of an individual, such as environmental influences, societal pressures, and external circumstances, that impact their actions. An example of an external cause could be someone deciding to wear warm clothes on a cold day because the weather conditions prompted them to do so.

Baron d'Holbach, an Enlightenment-era philosopher, argues for a more deterministic view. He believes that human behavior is entirely determined by external causes, specifically by natural laws of the physical universe and the influence of one's environment. According to d'Holbach, individuals have no free will and are merely the products of these external causes.

While Campbell emphasizes the importance of internal causes and argues for the compatibility of freedom and determinism, d'Holbach emphasizes the dominance of external causes and denies human freedom altogether. These differing perspectives contribute to the broader discussion regarding the nature of human agency and responsibility in the context of determinism.