The following argument may seem powerful at first, but upon consideration it is rather impotent. Explain why. The hard determinist says that we...

The following argument may seem powerful at first, but upon consideration it is rather impotent. Explain why.

The hard determinist says that we should accept determinism and reject free will. But this position is self-refuting. Here is why. Suppose that determinism is true, such that we cannot help doing what we do. In that case, it would be pointless to argue that we should accept one doctrine rather than another. After all, we cannot help accepting the doctrine that we do accept—whatever that might be. Thus if the hard determinist is serious in his attempt to persuade us to accept determinism and our lack of freedom, then he must believe that we could accept those things even if, in fact, we do not. So he must believe that we are free, although he argues that we are not. Thus the hard determinist’s belief refutes his words.