Year

2016

Season

Summer

Paper Type

Master's Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Philosophy and Religious Studies

NACO controlled Corporate Body

University of North Florida. Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Mitchell Haney

Second Advisor

Dr. Hans-Herbert Kögler

Third Advisor

Dr. Jonathan Matheson

Department Chair

Dr. Mitchell Haney

College Dean

Dr. Daniel Moon

Abstract

This paper will use the natural laws of the universe and amassed evidence to support a dynamic systems theory approach to explain the mechanics and fixed operations of the human experience taking place inside a causally determined universe without the possibility of free will. By reductionary methods, the universe and all its’ contents, including human agents, will be exemplified as complex dynamic systems. In so doing, the human experience is reduced to being comprised of information acting and reacting with other information existing in the universe, specifically ideas. Allowing ideas to take on a physical manifestation shows how the feedback of information directly results in the rise of human consciousness and the sensation of control and volition over actions. Thus, the methods and philosophies used in this paper will set out to rebut metaphysical libertarian views asserting alternative possibilities by way of Rollback Arguments and two other libertarian arguments raised by Alfred R. Mele. This paper aims to provide a description and deeper appreciation for the mechanics and fixed operations of the human experience in a universe where free will is nonexistent.

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