AKA compatabilism.
A deterministic stance on the Free Will problem produces a paradox if we value moral responsibility as a useful social tool. If we are denied free will, then we cannot be responsible for our actions.
Soft determinism posits that in the lesser scheme of things, although our choices and our reasoning is predetermined, the ability to reason is evidence of free choice. It does not overturn determinism, instead it redefines free will in a useful context, saying that free will is useful in order for us to make moral decisions.
Nick thinks this is really, really stupid.
“Soft Determinism” is also, Kevin’s screenname.
See also: Quantum-Adjusted Determinism