DETERMINISM AND INDETERMINISM: A PHILOSOPHICAL EXAMINATION

Abstract

The debate between determinism and indeterminism addresses one of the most fundamental questions in philosophy: whether all events are causally determined or whether genuine randomness and freedom exist in the universe. This article analyzes classical and contemporary arguments supporting determinism and indeterminism, examining their metaphysical and ethical implications. Through comparative philosophical analysis, the study evaluates the logical coherence and practical consequences of both positions. The findings suggest that while determinism provides a strong explanatory framework for natural phenomena, indeterminism plays a crucial role in discussions of freedom, moral responsibility, and quantum theory. The problem remains central to metaphysics and the philosophy of science.