Compatibilism, Libertarianism and Determinism - Endless Debate - Article Example

No conclusion has yet been reached so far; however, each individual has their own standpoint regarding these three perspectives.

The basic contradiction lies in the ownership or the free will of actions. If one acts according to his own free will regardless of any other laws and principles then he would take full moral responsibility because freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. If a person abides by the laws and rules then his actions would be determined and defined by these external factors. This is the reason why criminal and civil laws are based on determinism (Morse, 2009).

Another important point of difference is highlighted by optimism and pessimism. Compatibilism is seen as an optimist approach that gives credit to the actions of moral responsibility regardless of supporting the determinism theory. Libertarianism in contrast is regarded as a pessimistic approach that denies determinism and favors giving credit for the free will actions (Russell, 2010).

Moral responsibility and free will can be defined in terms of control. Control is another contrasting feature underlying the theories. Control is necessary when it comes to freedom related to moral responsibility. Compatibilism and Libertarianism are about control whereas determinism is determined by other factors and control are not exercised (Harrison, 2006).

To rationalize an act in the given context is another ability that defines these three theories. Children and adults have a different sense of rationality. This idea supports Determinism. Criminal law also supports determinism in which a person’s mind is responsible for the guilt or the criminal acts executed by the person. However, this does not imply that determinism is related to the crimes and guilt only; it is equally applicable to the acts of innocence (Morse, 2009).

Attitudes and behaviors always have some background reason. There is always a justification and rationality for a certain kind of behavior and attitude. The explanation for the reason can belong to any field of sciences, but reason always exists. This notion is justified by the Determinism that each action, behavior, decision and attitude is an end result of some unavoidable and important cause or happening.