Casa ESL · B2 Upper Intermediate · Unit 11 of 20 · Step 2
Abstract reasoning and the subjunctive mood
Name
Date
Vocabulary
consciousness
nounThe state of being aware of one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings.
"Philosophers have debated the nature of consciousness for centuries."
determinism
nounThe belief that all events are caused by prior conditions and are therefore inevitable.
"Determinism challenges the idea that humans have genuine free will."
paradox
nounA statement or situation that seems contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth.
"The ship of Theseus is a famous paradox about identity."
perceive
verbTo become aware of something through the senses or the mind.
"We perceive the world differently depending on our cultural background."
inherent
adjectiveExisting as a natural or permanent quality of something.
"Some argue that morality is inherent in human nature."
fallacy
nounA mistaken belief or a flawed argument based on unsound reasoning.
"The appeal to authority is a well-known logical fallacy."
contemplate
verbTo think deeply and at length about something.
"She sat by the lake and contemplated the meaning of happiness."
reconcile
verbTo find a way to make two conflicting ideas or facts compatible.
"It is difficult to reconcile free will with a deterministic universe."
Grammar Focus
The subjunctive mood
The subjunctive uses the base form of the verb (without -s, -ed, or auxiliaries) after expressions of demand, suggestion, or necessity: 'I suggest that he go', 'It is essential that she be present'. After 'if' for unreal conditions, use 'were' for all subjects: 'If I were you'. Common triggers: suggest, recommend, insist, demand, it is essential/vital/important that.
I suggest that he reconsider his position on the matter.
It is essential that every student be given equal opportunity.
If I were a philosopher, I would study the problem of consciousness.
The committee demanded that the report be submitted by Friday.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence with the correct subjunctive form of the verb in brackets.
1. The professor insisted that every student (attend) the lecture.
2. It is vital that the evidence (be) preserved for future analysis.
3. If I (be) in her position, I would approach the problem differently.
4. She recommended that he (seek) a second opinion before deciding.
5. It is important that each participant (have) access to the full text.
Exercise 2
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. The board demanded that the director ___ immediately.
2. If she ___ here right now, she would know what to do.
3. It is crucial that this information ___ confidential.
4. I suggest that the meeting ___ postponed until next week.
5. He spoke as though he ___ an expert on the subject.
Reading
The Problem of Free Will
For thousands of years, philosophers have grappled with the question of whether human beings truly possess free will. Determinists argue that every action we take is the inevitable result of prior causes — our genetics, upbringing, and environment. If this is the case, then it is difficult to justify holding people morally responsible for their choices. On the other hand, libertarian philosophers (in the metaphysical sense) insist that human consciousness allows us to transcend mere causation. They suggest that each person be regarded as a genuine agent capable of independent thought. A middle position, known as compatibilism, attempts to reconcile determinism with moral responsibility. Compatibilists propose that free will does not require the absence of causation but merely the absence of coercion. If I were forced to choose, I might lean toward this middle ground — yet the paradox remains: how can a choice be truly free if it was always going to happen?
1. What do determinists believe about human actions?
2. How does compatibilism attempt to resolve the free will debate?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write a paragraph (8–10 sentences) arguing that schools should or should not teach philosophy. Use at least three subjunctive structures (e.g., 'I recommend that...', 'It is essential that...', 'If I were...').
Example: I firmly believe that philosophy should be a core subject in every school. It is essential that young people be exposed to critical thinking from an early age. I recommend that the curriculum include modules on ethics, logic, and the history of ideas. If I were a headteacher, I would insist that every student study philosophy for at least two years.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. attend · 2. be · 3. were · 4. seek · 5. have
Exercise 2
1. resign · 2. were · 3. remain · 4. be · 5. were
Reading Comprehension
1. Determinists believe that every action is the inevitable result of prior causes such as genetics, upbringing, and environment. · 2. Compatibilism proposes that free will does not require the absence of causation, only the absence of coercion, thereby reconciling determinism with moral responsibility.