Key terms
What is free will?
The ability to make choices voluntarily and intentionally.
What does naturalism make us question about human choices?
Whether humans have genuine free will
Who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
What is Naturalism?
The philosophical view that reality can be explained through the natural world and natural causes.
What is determinism?
The idea that events are caused by previous conditions or events.
Name three natural factors that can influence our choices.
Genetics, brain activity, upbringing, environment, past experiences, or biology.
Who is the evolutionary biologist that supports a naturalistic worldview?
Richard Dawkins.
are humans part of the natural world?
Yes. Humans are physical beings who are part of nature.
What is causation?
When one event or factor contributes to producing another.
Why does naturalism raise questions about free will?
Because our choices may be influenced by natural factors outside of our control.
Which philosopher focuses heavily on neuroscience and the brain?
Patricia Churchland.
What type of explanations do naturalists usually look for?
Physical or scientific explanations instead of supernatural ones.
What is physicalism?
The view that everything that exists is ultimately physical or depends on the physical world.
If someone loves chocolate, what might a naturalist ask?
What natural factors caused them to develop that preference?
Which philosopher studies how the physical brain can explain thoughts and behaviour?
Paul Churchland.
Name two areas of science that naturalism connects to.
biology, evolution, neuroscience, or physics.
What is the difference between determinism and causation?
Determinism says events result from previous conditions, while causation describes one factor contributing to another event.
Does naturalism prove that humans have no free will?
No. Philosophers disagree about what natural causes mean for human freedom.
What idea connects Darwin, Dawkins, and the Churchlands to naturalism?
They explain life, the mind, or behaviour through natural or physical processes.
What main question does naturalism create about human freedom?
If natural factors influence our decisions, are our choices actually free?