Item Detail
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28529
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4
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3
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English
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Mormonism and Determinism
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Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought
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Spring 1991
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32
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4
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Stanford, CA
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Dialogue Foundation
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43-71
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Mormons have historically rejected any form of universal causal determinism because it appears to conflict with its basic commitment to free agency. However, Rex Sears has recently argued that (1) free agency and causal determinism are compatible; and (2) Mormon commitments square better with causal determinism than the opposing view of libertarian free will.1 He further argues that metaphysical conceptions of moral accountability are misguided and suggests an alternative which views accountability as a feature of demands arising in interpersonal relationships. It is my purpose to show that Sears has sold out to a view that is difficult at best to reconcile with fundamental Mormon commitments. I intend to argue that none of his arguments in favor of determinism are compelling and that his answer to arguments against determinism are weak or simply miss the point.