Hard determinism (or metaphysical determinism) is a view on free will which holds that determinism is true, that it is incompatible with free will, and therefore that free will does not exist.

Is hard determinism a theory?

Hard Determinism is the theory that human behaviour and actions are wholly determined by external factors, and therefore humans do not have genuine free will or ethical accountability.

Are humans free in hard determinism?

Hard determinists hold that all our choices are caused and that therefore none of our choices are free. Consequently, we are never morally responsible. As Double puts it, “[w]hat is “hard” about hard determinism is its conclusion: no free will and no moral responsibility” (203).