Causal Determinism
Carl Hoefer · 2023 · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Summary
Reviews what causal determinism is, how it relates to physics, and why it is harder to argue for than is often assumed.
Why it matters here
Useful for separating physical determinism (a contested empirical claim) from determinism in the popular sense.
Linked claims
Free will, properly understood, is compatible with determinism. The dominant view among philosophers in PhilPapers surveys.
Classical physics is deterministic; quantum mechanics complicates the picture; many-worlds and Bohmian readings restore determinism.
The strong claim that decisions are not fully determined by prior physical causes. Philosophically defended; no demonstrated mechanism.
Related evidence hubs
Physics-adjacent worldviews — block universe, many-worlds, simulation, free will.
Mind–brain relation, qualia, intentionality.
Determinism, free will, destiny.
Block universe, presentism, eternalism, emergent time.