1 the rationalists: leibniz freedom, responsibility, evil soazig le bihan - university of montana

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The Rationalists: LeibnizThe Rationalists: Leibniz

Freedom, Responsibility, EvilFreedom, Responsibility, Evil

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Individual Freedom

3. Individual Responsibility

4. The problem of Evil

5. Conclusion

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IntroductionIntroductionThe ProblemThe Problem

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Determinism and Freedom:- If everything is pre-determined, how can we be free- If everything is pre-determined, how can we be held responsible? - Isn’t God responsible for the existence of Evil on Earth?

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Individual Freedom

3. Individual Responsibility

4. The problem of Evil

5. Conclusion

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Individual FreedomIndividual Freedom

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Minimal Condition for Freedom: Contingency- Necessary truths / Contingent truths Our existence is contingent on God’s decree. Leibniz is not a necessitarian.

Certainty vs. Necessity- God foresees everything that will happen but does not make it happen- Example: your sister and horror movies

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Individual Freedom

3. Individual Responsibility

4. The problem of Evil

5. Conclusion

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Individual Responsibility Individual Responsibility The ProblemThe Problem

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

- God is responsible for the fact that we actually exist- From the fact that we exist it follows that we will unfold ourselves, and hence, do what we do.

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Individual Responsibility Individual Responsibility Leibniz’ answerLeibniz’ answer

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

God decided only on the laws: - Creation of certain substances - Aim for the apparent good- But leaves us the choice – state of indifference

Ignorance Argument- We don’t know what we are supposed to do - We make our decisions without constraints SO: we can be held responsible for our actions

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Individual Freedom

3. Individual Responsibility

4. The problem of Evil

5. Conclusion

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The Problem is EvilThe Problem is Evil

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

The greater goodTraditional answer to the problem of evil

God’s ways are not fully understandable- We cannot grasp all the details of the perfect of the Creation- It is enough to understand that the Creation is perfect

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Individual Freedom

3. Individual Responsibility

4. The problem of Evil

5. Conclusion

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Conclusion on LeibnizConclusion on Leibniz

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

The core insight: Perfect God and Perfect World

Epistemology: Mitigated Rationalism

Metaphysics: Individual Substances

Necessity, Freedom and Responsibility:- Contingency exists – but not chance- Individual Freedom = absence of constraints- Individual Responsibility? Epistemic limitations