Freedom Versus Predestination: a Comparative Analysis
Freedom versus Predestination: A Comparative Analysis
Shane Furlong
Humanities 4640
April 14, 2013 (Week 5)
Freedom versus Predestination: A Comparative Analysis This week’s essay is a comparative analysis of the theories of freedom (indeterminism) and predestination (religious determinism). Our analysis will attempt to prove the superiority of the theory of freedom over the theory of predestination. First, we will examine the theory of predestination as it is explained in the text “Ethics: Theory and Practice” (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2012). The organization of the text lends itself to our analysis since it highlights differences between the two theories in its defining process. We will illustrate the theory of predestination by offering an example which will humanize the theory. Next, we will explore the theory of freedom through the lens of predestination. We will then exhibit the theory of freedom with an example. Finally, we will analyze and compare the two theories by demonstrating their applicability for today’s society and arguing the superiority of the theory of freedom over the theory of predestination. According to Thiroux and Krasemann, “religious determinism, or predestination, is derived from the attributes assigned, especially in the chief Western religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), to some supernatural being.” These attributes are omnipotence and omniscience.” The text goes on to say, if “this being has decided I will lead a good life and “go to heaven,’ then I will; if, on the other hand, it has decided I will lead a bad life and “go to hell,’ then I will do that instead. I have absolutely no say over what I or anyone else does because everything has been predestined, preprogrammed, ‘predetermined’ by an almighty supernatural being (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2012).” The theory contends that since this supernatural being has unlimited power and unlimited knowledge, it is in complete control over the actions of the
Shane Furlong
Humanities 4640
April 14, 2013 (Week 5)
Freedom versus Predestination: A Comparative Analysis This week’s essay is a comparative analysis of the theories of freedom (indeterminism) and predestination (religious determinism). Our analysis will attempt to prove the superiority of the theory of freedom over the theory of predestination. First, we will examine the theory of predestination as it is explained in the text “Ethics: Theory and Practice” (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2012). The organization of the text lends itself to our analysis since it highlights differences between the two theories in its defining process. We will illustrate the theory of predestination by offering an example which will humanize the theory. Next, we will explore the theory of freedom through the lens of predestination. We will then exhibit the theory of freedom with an example. Finally, we will analyze and compare the two theories by demonstrating their applicability for today’s society and arguing the superiority of the theory of freedom over the theory of predestination. According to Thiroux and Krasemann, “religious determinism, or predestination, is derived from the attributes assigned, especially in the chief Western religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), to some supernatural being.” These attributes are omnipotence and omniscience.” The text goes on to say, if “this being has decided I will lead a good life and “go to heaven,’ then I will; if, on the other hand, it has decided I will lead a bad life and “go to hell,’ then I will do that instead. I have absolutely no say over what I or anyone else does because everything has been predestined, preprogrammed, ‘predetermined’ by an almighty supernatural being (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2012).” The theory contends that since this supernatural being has unlimited power and unlimited knowledge, it is in complete control over the actions of the
References: The Bible. Print. King James Version, 1611. Thiroux, J. P., & Krasemann, K. W. (2012). Ethics: Theory and Practice (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.