Determinism vs Free Will

In Chapter 19, Alberto discusses Baruch Spinoza, who is excommunicated from the church for heresy. Spinoza saw himself from the perspective of all eternity; he believed himself to be a part of the whole universe and all time. He rejected Descartes' idea of two main substances, and his belief was that God's attributes include both matter and spirit. Spinoza
believes that while there is free will..... free will is constrained by the laws of nature. His view of human ethics was largely determined by God's natural law..... that there is freedom, but that there is also necessity. In this way, Spinoza is an example of a deterministic philosopher. Spinoza believed that God is the only One with complete, free will.

In "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder, the philosophical debate between determinism and free will is explored as one of the central themes. This debate revolves around the question of whether our actions and choices are determined by external factors, such as fate or preexisting conditions, or if we have the capacity to make free and independent choices. Here's how the book engages with this philosophical issue:

1. Determinism:

The concept of determinism is introduced early in the book through the character of Albert Knox, Sophie's philosophical mentor. Alberto Knox explains various deterministic views, such as those of Democritus, who believed that everything is composed of atoms and follows deterministic laws. The idea of determinism is further explored through discussions of natural laws, cause and effect, and the notion that the universe operates according to a predetermined plan or set of rules. Philosophers like Baruch Spinoza are presented as proponents of deterministic views, emphasizing that human actions are determined by nature and cannot be truly free.

2. Free Will:

Throughout the book, Sophie encounters philosophers who argue for the existence of free will. For instance, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's ideas about human nature and freedom are discussed, as are the thoughts of existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, who champion the idea of radical freedom and personal responsibility.

The notion of free will is also explored in the context of moral philosophy, particularly when Sophie grapples with ethical dilemmas and the idea that individuals can make choices based on their values and beliefs.

3. Synthesis and Reflection:

The book encourages Sophie, and by extension, the reader, to reflect on the tension between determinism and free will. Sophie's journey of philosophical exploration serves as a means of reconciling these opposing viewpoints and arriving at a personal understanding of her own agency and responsibility.

Sophie's experiences in the book prompt her to question whether she is merely a character in a story written by someone else or if she has the capacity to shape her own destiny. This self-reflection illustrates the philosophical struggle to balance determinism and free will.

Ultimately, "Sophie's World" uses the determinism vs. free will debate as a means of engaging readers in profound philosophical contemplation and encourages them to consider their own perspectives on this enduring philosophical question.