Jenna Woosley
Phil 120
10/5/09
Pierre Laplace:
Determinism
I. Laplace:
a. 1749 – 1827
b. French
c. Mathematician
I. Search for Order
d. For an algorithm/formula to life
e. Laplace looks at the Universe as a machine
i. All parts are interrelated
ii. Laws descried the workings of everything
These allow you to predict the Universe/Future
iii. Leaves no room for chance
iv. No freedom
Chance & Freedom = only ignorance makes us assume these
Chance – Can happen anytime: NO ORDER
Choice – Choose when it happens: SELECTION
Necessity – it must happen: IRONCLAD ORDER
II. Ignorance of Regular/Mechanical Laws of Nature
f. Final Causes:
i. Because of this they assumed arbitrary laws of nature
Arbitrary = Willful (divine beings)
Example: Greek Gods and their mythology
Purpose
g. Material Causes:
i. You look at the regularities of events
ii. Creates a Completely predictable universe
No Purpose
III. Parts and Laws
Laws:
iii. Describe the interaction of parts
iv. Descriptions are mathematical formulations which point out regularities
Algorithms
Observed regularities involve casual relationships
Casual relationships are a sequence of life events
X Y
Casual relationships = relationships of influence
Laplace sees the Universe in this manner and believed there were/are no
exceptions.
IV. Principle of Sufficient Reason
No Exceptions rule
h. There is a reason or cause to why everything happens
i. When…
ii. How…
i. There are no uncaused events or happenings
j. Universe is graspable/comprehensible by reason
i. It “makes sense” = has an explanation
