Determinism is the belief that every event is caused by a prior series of events. Each event is related to one another by a causal link. If one event causes the following event, then free will cannot exist because these events are all linked to each other. When the first event occurs it creates a domino effect, where the following events fall into suit. Free will cannot stop an event that is caused by something else. So, when the first event occurs and causes the specific following event, which causes the specific following event and so on,...
and contemporists both raise some very valid points and I am very torn between which side to believe in.

I hope that individuals should always be held responsible for what their actions and although sometimes we act badly, it's comforting to know we are not puppets being controlled by some greater force. I suppose I like the idea of free will but I am very convinced in determinism. Possibly I have a libertarians view on the matter of free will versus determinism. This means that I am torn between the two theories that relate to human behaviour.