Free-will and determinism are compatible, and it is possible to believe in both.Aquinas argued that the concept of sin shows humans do have some freewill over their actions. The nature of the motive is determined although people are free to act.
Scholars who support compatibilism
Hume (C18th) argues that some things are uncaused and happen as a result of merechance. We are free. In fact, any sense of moral blame can only come if something we do is a result of our character.Freewill and moral responsibility require determinism
Scholars who support compatibilism
Thomas Aquinas (C13th) argued that the concept of sin shows that humans do have some free will over their actions, and could choose differently if they wanted too
Scholars who support compatibilism
Arthur Schopenhauer - "Man can do what he wills but he cannot will what he wills"
Compatibilism and moral responsibility
It is possible to be held morally responsible for our actions, as we still have some free choice. However, it should be remembered that there are some cases where freedom is very limited
Strengths of compatibilism
People are held responsible for their actions. It is fair and legitimate to have systems of punishment in society. Combines 2 theories, so avoids issues around determinism and libertarianism. Criminals are rehabilitated in Hume's view so less crime in society. Secular so applies to everyone
