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How Free Are We? Philosophical Theories on Freedom and Determinism
Wie frei sind wir? Philosophische Theorien über Freiheit und Determinismus
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:12
Abstract
We are praised for our achievements and blamed for our failures. It is presupposed that our doings are something that is up to us. "It is up to us" often expresses our attitude to treat us as free beings. But are we really free, hence responsible for our behavior? Or is our behaviour entrenched in conditions properly understood as deterministic ones?
Objective
Participants should learn to know and evaluate answers to the following questions: 1. How do determinists conceive of determinism and freedom? 2. What has freedom1 to be like, if we adult and healthy human beings should be responsible for our actions? 3. Are we justified in claiming that we do possess such a freedom1? 4. Is a scientific world view compatible with the ascription of freedom1 to us?
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Wie frei sind wir? Philosophische Theorien über Freiheit und Determinismus |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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