Critically assess the view that we are not responsible for our evil actions. (35 Marks)

Though some may argue on behalf of Libertarianism (supported by ethicists such as David Hume, a compatibilist) that we are responsible for our moral actions as we have the freedom to choose to act otherwise, it is evident through the laws of science and the writings of theological determinist John Calvin, as well as the speech of defence lawyer Clarence Darrow, that we are not responsible for our evil actions because our lives are predetermined.

Firstly, Hume argues that humans have both liberty of spontaneity and liberty of indifference. Liberty of spontaneity states that free will exists only until outside forces, e.g. running into a friend, might disrupt or alter the desired course of action and remove our choices, e.g. the choice to continue. This makes sense to an extent as many people feel they are able to make their own decisions, but still, accounts for external factors beyond our control. However, the natural laws of science state that every molecule in the universe follows a set course, as can be supported by Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity. Thus, though this refers to objects on a molecular level, there is no reason as to why humans should not be included in this scientific determinism, which, unlike the ideas of Hume, is empirically verifiable and therefore can be upheld against opposing arguments. This would, therefore, suggest that it is more likely than not that the actions of humans are predetermined - AJ Ayer, a member of the Vienna Circle and logical positivist, would argue that this validifies the argument of determinism over that of Hume insofar as that which "cannot be conclusively verified cannot be verified at all". This, therefore, indicates that as humans have no freedom, and thus no choice over their actions, they cannot be morally responsible in any way for their actions, as their every movement is predetermined by natural laws; consequently beyond their control.