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Attend to all parts of the question and give a thorough account, explaining the respective positions. You will also want to argue for one approach over another, offering reasons that would appeal to the fair-minded or neutral reader, one interested solely in learning the truth.
Whenever Angry Alan obeyed his mother, she would reward him with his favorite candy, Snappies. Years later, the maker of Snappies discontinues the candy, citing economic concerns. Enraged, Angry Alan — now an adult — sneaks into the headquarters of the candy manufacturer one evening to start a fire in a trash bin. While he only hopes to teach the company a lesson, the fire rages out of control and burns the headquarters to a cinder.
Meanwhile, across town, Kindly Ken is kidnapped by a mad scientist who implants an electrode into Ken’s brain. The electrode causes Ken to start a fire in a nearby church. The fire rages out of control and burns the church to a cinder.
Was Angry Alan free to do otherwise? Is Alan morally responsible for the damage?
Was Kindly Ken free to do otherwise? Is Ken morally responsible for the damage?
In your own words, explain hard determinism, libertarianism, and soft determinism, and show how each approach would answer all of these questions. Be sure you explain your reasoning in each instance. Along the way, discuss the difference between incompatibilism and compatibilism. You’ll want to have listened to my online lectures and read Holbach, Kane, and Ayer.
When all is said and done, which of these three approaches offers the strongest account? Why? Discuss at length.
(Note that this question is not about aligning one approach with Alan’s case and another with Ken’s, but about determining which one of the three approaches is true.)
Good luck!
Grading Criteria for the essay are as follows:
A strong essay will lay out the respective positions in clear and detailed terms, emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of each, and offer convincing reasons to show why one approach is superior to the other. The accounts should display a ready and thorough knowledge of course material. (20-22 points).
An adequate essay will set forth the main outline of the respective positions, though some detail may be lacking and the accounts may not always be clear. The reasons given for supporting one approach over another, while relevant, may not prove compelling. (16-19 points)
An inadequate essay will confuse the positions involved or fail to articulate their key elements; the language may exhibit a poor grasp of the central points of contention. The account might well convey an insufficient understanding of course material or prove otherwise unclear, and the reasons offered in favor of one approach over another will mischaracterize essential philosophical paradigms. (15 points and below).
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