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What is the definition of determinism?

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I need help in obtaining information on this subject. Please provide citations and references so that I will be able to research the material as well.

The assignment:
For this paper, you will write a dialogue between you and an imaginary Socrates. You will debate the question of free will versus determinism. Remember that the Socratic Method involves asking a series of questions to clarify key words and ideas. In your dialogue, the imaginary Socrates should be asking clarifying questions, and you will be answering them. Please refer to the excerpt from Plato's Meno as an example (below).

Your dialogue should address the following questions:
What is the definition of determinism?
What is the definition of free will?
Do you agree that every event has an explanatory cause?
How do you define event?
How do you define explanatory cause?
Do you agree that every human choice or event has an explanatory cause?
How do you define human choice? How do you definite human event? Are they different?
Do you agree that to have an explanatory cause is to not be free?
How do you define free?
Do you think that free will and determinism can coexist in any way?
Is it possible to have external determinism and internal free will?

To have cohesion and reach solid conclusions, your imaginary Socrates will probably ask you more questions than the ones listed above. Be sure to include all of the above ideas in your dialogue.

Your dialogue should also include all of the following:
Use of the Socratic Method to form all conclusions (this will be achieved by the question and answer dialogue between you and the imaginary Socrates)
Clear and concise language, using proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correct definitions of free will and determinism
Logical explanations and valid reasoning for each conclusion
Clear answers to each question with a definite stance or position You must reach a conclusive answer to each question

4-6 pages in length

The following is an excerpt from Plato's Meno (Soccio, 1995):

Socrates: ...Do not all men...desire the good?
Meno: I think not.
Socrates: There are some who desire evil?
Meno: Yes.
Socrates: Do you mean that they think the evils which they desire, to be good; or do they know that they are evil and yet desire them?
Meno: Both, I think.
Socrates: And do you really imagine, Meno, that a man knows evils to be evils and desires them notwithstanding?
Meno: Certainly I do.
Socrates: And desire is [for] possession?
Meno: Yes, [for] possession...
Socrates: Well, and do those who, as they say, desire evils, and think that evils are hurtful to the possessor of them, know that they will be hurt by them?
Meno: They must know it.
Socrates: And must they not suppose that those who are hurt are miserable in proportion to the hurt which is inflicted upon them?
Meno: How can it be otherwise?
Socrates: But are not the miserable ill-fated?
Meno: Yes, indeed.
Socrates: And does any one desire to be miserable and ill-fated?
Meno: I should say not, Socrates.
Socrates: But if there is no one who desires to be miserable, there is no one, Meno, who desires evil; for what is misery but the desire and possession of evil?
Meno: That appears to be the truth, Socrates, and I admit that nobody desires evil.

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Solution Summary

The solution provides information, assistance and advise in tackling the task (see above) on the topic of determinism especially in putting together a Socratic dialogue between yourself and an imaginary Socrates based on Plato's Meno. The solution provides an outline, a suggestion on the questions and the dialogue and a perspective of discussion between an imaginary Socrates and yourself. Resources are listed for further exploration of the topic.

Solution Preview

Dear Student,
Hi there! It appears that this task is a little complicated as you must present a dialogue - a kind of 'play-acting' in the manner by which the likes of Plato explains complex ideas. Don't worry - you can do it, as long as you structure your ideas. Remember that at the end of the dialogue, you must have relayed the pros and cons to an idea so that the entire dialogue itself makes up the purpose of the task - which is to present the concept of determinism from your point of view as well as to answer the questions set in the problem. I suggest using this simple outline:

1. About the Concept - 100 words
2. About the Dialogue - 100 words
3. Dialogue 1 - discuss the following questions:
a. What is the definition of determinism?
b. What is the definition of free will?
c. Do you agree that every event has an explanatory cause?
d. How do you define event?
4. Dialogue 2 - discuss the following questions.
a. How do you define explanatory cause?
b. Do you agree that every human choice or event has an explanatory cause?
c. How do you define human choice? How do you definite human event? Are they different?
d. Do you agree that to have an explanatory cause is to not be free?
5. Dialogue 3 - discuss the following questions:
a. How do you define free?
b. Do you think that free will and determinism can coexist in any way?
c. Is it possible to have external determinism and internal free will?

^ Make each dialogue no more than 200 words, which means you will achieve 800 words which should cover what you need. It's all about questions and making people think through each answer or questions. If you need help with formulating questions or lines, visit the links listed below. Just let me know if you need further help. All the best!

Sincerely,
AE 105878/Xenia Jones

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Determinism Dialogue

On Determinism

Determinism is a philosophical concept that is related to the notions of free will and being. Classical philosopher Plato explored this concept in his many works, including the dialogues that featured his teacher Socrates. In such exchanges, Socrates is offered pictured as talking with or having a discussion with another person about a particular idea or concept. And in the exchange, meaning about the concept emerges. Hence, such styles of presenting an idea, with the discussion ...

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