This topic came up in another thread, but rather than clutter up that good discussion, it's got it's own thread now.

Originally posted by tboothby
Dude... the illusion of free will is not enough to permit jack sh--. If you are a determinist then you would beleave that some action has caused that it is absolutly nessisary for you to have this discussion. Sounds like you are discribing weak-determinism... but if you have another explanation please do tell

(I am not being sarcastic, I am actually really interested in determinalism and would love to hear more about your veiws on free will ect.)
I love this topic. Probably one of my favorites.

Here's my question to you and everyone else (which may seem beside the point at first):
If you hold a strict view of determinism, can and should criminals be held accountable for their actions? If so, why?