決定論有著悠久的思想傳統，與目的論與因果論相關；然而，決定論與自由具有一定的不相容性，如果說決定論與自由相容，也是在人類理性存在者的自我實現追求意義上的，而不是在選擇自由的意義土。可是，後者恰恰是自由的核心含義。其次，決定論與人的責任是不相容的。承認決定論也就意味著不承認人可承擔責任。但我們的分析表明，決定論與責任是相容的。

Determinism associated with teleological and causation theory has a long intellectual tradition. However, Berlin believes that determinism and freedom has a certain incompatibility; and if determinism is compatible with freedom, in this cause which is that human being as an reason being pursues his self-realization, rather than on the meaning of freedom of choice. However, the latter is precisely the core meaning of freedom. Secondly, determinism and human responsibilities are incompatible. Admitted determinism means that people can not admit responsibility. However, our analysis indicates that determinism and responsibility are compatible when people have freedom voluntarily to choose and decide what they do.