Introduction to Philosophy:
Freedom

Philosophy 20, Sections 1-10
Spring 2010

Second Paper Assignment

Select one of the following topics on which to write a paper approximately five pages long. Papers are due Sunday, March 28^th at 11⁵⁹ pm and must be submitted via turnitin.com. Your TA may also require you to sumbit a hard copy (print-out) of your paper. He or she will let you know about that.

Athletes who are traveling on the weekend of the 28^th: plan ahead! Do not ask for a last minute extension. Make all arrangements pertaining to your travel schedule well in advance. We will accommodate athletic travel, of course, but it must be arranged explicitly and in advance.

Click here for turnitin.com

Be sure to consult the following documents, as well as your notes from the lectures on philosophical argumentation and how to write a philosophy paper, as well as (and at this point most critically) the feedback on your first paper:

My Tips on Writing Philosophy Papers

Guidelines for Submitting Papers

My Grading and Academic Integrity Policies

Late Papers Policy

1. Hume argues that the unpredictability of human behavior is not a compelling objection to Psychological Determinism because we should attribute such unpredictability to the "secret opposition of contrary causes" (Reader, p. 67). What exactly is Hume's reasoning here, and is it sound?
2. On p. 73 Hume argues that our practices of punishment only make sense if Psychological Determinism is true. Is he right? Why or why not?
3. Consider the following potential counter-example to Hume's account of liberty: Jack Bauer is captured by an international drug cartel and has heroin forcibly administered to him. He becomes addicted. He is held prisoner and is kept on heroin for two years. His addiction is now a "stable and enduring disposition" of his and so belongs to his character. One might well argue, however, that the choices that Jack makes in consequence of his addiction are choices for which he should not be held responsible. Is this a counter-example? (I.e., does it refute Hume's conception of liberty?) Why or why not?
4. Kant argues that freedom requires control and that if Psychological Determinism is true, we have no control over our choices. Is he right? Why or why not?

---