Doctrine of Determinism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Doctrine of Determinism - Essay Example All the elements that make the world function are constantly interacting with each other. These interactions follow a certain order (cosmic) sometimes. At other times these functional elements are in a state of disorder (chaos). The interactions categorize the world into two kinds. The first is the phenomenal world, which stands tall on our perception of reality. The second is the deterministic world, which advocates a sure-shot perspective on everything that happens. Consequently, a phenomenal world is an outcome of chance and randomness; while the deterministic world leaves no scope for chance or probability, apparently. But what is obvious is not always true. Recent scientific studies have put forth randomness as central to the universe. A physical being's genetic make up is the result of certain permutations and combinations that are purely random. So an individual is a consequence of cosmic coincidence! Biology justifies that. The Oxford dictionary defines chance as a possibility of something happening. Probability and likelihood are the other synonyms. In fact, we devise logic on the basis of chance. There are infinite situations when probabilistic logic becomes the foundation for sound reason and subsequent action. The notion of expected utility is the outcome of the probabilistic calculus. I work hard because I think it betters my chances to succeed. The practical dimension of chance makes it the central element in the otherwise deterministic world! Determinism is an apparent antonym of chance. Determinism looks so scientifically grounded, but it has a philosophical foundation in the Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR). German rationalist, Leibniz, an adherent to this principle used it extensively in his philosophical findings. According to the Principle of Sufficient Reason, there is a reason why something happens in a particular way and not in some other way. It is a powerful principle. It defies the existence of chance in the real world. So if chance exists, then Principle of Sufficient Reason fails. Perhaps. Perhaps not. So we might observe that determinism is an offshoot of the Principle of Sufficient Reason. Both the concepts seem to be in synergy. Determinism defies chance and so does the Principle of sufficient reason. So how are the two concepts different The Principle of Sufficient Reason seems to justify the concept of rational thought. But a detailed analysis brings out something drastically different. If this principle is to be believed, then there has to be a justification for anything and everything. Subsequently, there has to be a reason as to why there should be a reason for anything to happen. But Leibniz has offered no explanation for this. It is an underived principle. So what is the rationale for something, which has no reason or logic The explanation of the principle refutes its existence. Strange paradox. Another interesting concept that is significant in the explanation of the Principle of Sufficient Reason vis--vis the concept of determinism is the principle of Universal Sufficient Causation. According to the concept of Universal Suff