7

Set 2: Central Ideas (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

The following text describes the concept of 'Soft Determinism' (Compatibilism). Soft determinism, or compatibilism, attempts to reconcile free will with determinism. Soft determinists accept that all events, including human actions, are causally determined by previous events (determinism). However, they redefine 'free will' not as freedom from causation, but as freedom from external coercion. An action is considered free if it aligns with the agent's internal desires and intentions, even if those desires were themselves determined by genetics or environment.

How does a soft determinist define a 'free' action?

A. An action that has no cause whatsoever
B. An action caused by the agent's internal desires without external coercion
C. An action that goes against the laws of physics
D. An action where the outcome is random✓ Correct

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. The text states free will is defined as 'freedom from external coercion' and an action is free if it 'aligns with the agent's internal desires.'

Key Evidence:

• "freedom from external coercion"

• "aligns with the agent's internal desires"

Why others are wrong: A (Libertarian Free Will (rejected by determinism)), C (Not mentioned), D (Randomness is not freedom in this context).

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