30 Questions
What is the minimum requirement for an agent to have free will?
To be able to control their actions
Who considered the question of free will to be the most contentious in metaphysics?
David Hume
What is the debate between incompatibilists and compatibilists about?
The relationship between free will and causal determinism
Why is it important to consider whether agents have free will?
To figure out the implications of free will on our moral responsibilities
What is a key distinction between persons and animals in the context of free will?
Persons have the capacity to control their actions, while animals do not
What is the term used to describe the idea that free will is not a specific faculty, but rather a shorthand for other features of persons?
Minimal understanding
What is the main reason why Allison cannot walk her dog despite wanting to?
There is a blizzard outside
What is the term used to describe the idea that agents can do what they want to do even if they are causally determined to do that action?
Compatibilism
What is the relationship between free will and freedom of action?
Free will is necessary for freedom of action, but not vice versa
Why would Allison's taking the dog for a walk not be considered a free action if she was brainwashed during her nap?
Because her decision is not made freely
What is the distinction motivated by the scenario of Allison trying to walk her dog?
Between free will and freedom of action
What is the outcome if there is a truth of causal determinism?
Agents have the freedom to do what they want to do
Why is brainwashing considered not a free action?
Because it doesn't arise from Allison's free will
What does 'acting with free will' mean?
Engaging in an action as the result of the utilization of free will
Why is a falling branch not morally responsible for breaking a car's window?
Because it's not a moral agent
What is the relationship between free will and moral responsibility?
Free will is necessary for moral responsibility
What is the difference between moral responsibility and causal responsibility?
Moral responsibility is distinct from causal responsibility, but the exact difference depends on the account of causation
Can someone be morally responsible for an event even if they are not causally responsible for it?
Yes, depending on the account of causation
According to Thomas Hobbes, what is freedom?
The absence of external impediments to one's actions
What is David Hume's definition of liberty?
The power to act according to the determination of the will
What is the key difference between the approaches of Hobbes and Hume?
Hobbes focuses on external impediments, while Hume focuses on internal will
What is the example used to illustrate the concept of freedom in the text?
Allison walking her dog
What is the distinction that some might argue is not made by Hobbes and Hume's approaches?
The distinction between freedom of will and freedom of action
What is the main idea behind Hobbes and Hume's concepts of freedom?
Freedom is the ability to act without external constraint
What is the main argument of the pessimist regarding free will?
Indeterminism undermines free will
According to the pessimist, what happens if determinism is false?
There is indeterminacy at some point prior to the action
Where does the pessimist locate the indeterminacy in Allison's decision?
In the reasons that occur to Allison
What is the result of the indeterminacy in Allison's decision, according to the pessimist?
Allison's decision is based on chance
What is the main difference between the pessimist and the free will denier?
The pessimist thinks free will is impossible, while the free will denier thinks it is possible but not actual
What is the pessimist's view on the relationship between indeterminism and free will?
Indeterminism undermines free will
Study Notes
Free Will and Freedom
- Free will and freedom of action are distinct concepts: an agent can possess free will without having freedom of action.
- Example: Allison wants to walk her dog but is unable to due to a blizzard blocking her front door.
Compatibilism vs. Incompatibilism
- Compatibilists argue that free will is possible even if our choices are causally determined.
- Incompatibilists argue that free will is impossible if our choices are causally determined.
- Hobbes and Hume are characterized as compatibilists.
Necessary Conditions for Free Will
- An agent's decision does not arise from their free will if they are brainwashed or coerced.
- Free will might be a necessary condition for free action.
Moral Responsibility
- Moral responsibility requires free will.
- Moral responsibility is distinct from causal responsibility.
- An agent can be morally responsible for an event even if they are not causally responsible.
Accounts of Freedom
- Thomas Hobbes: freedom consists in the absence of external impediments to an agent doing what they want to do.
- David Hume: freedom is the power of acting or not acting according to the determination of the will.
- Both Hobbes and Hume hold that an agent is free if they are not prevented by some external obstacle from completing their chosen course of action.
Pessimism and Indeterminism
- Pessimists argue that indeterminism undermines free will, as the occurrence of reasons is outside of an agent's control.
- Pessimists believe that the addition of indeterminism makes agents lack the kind of control needed for free will.
Explore the concept of free will, a contentious question in metaphysics. Delve into the nature of free will and whether it's a capacity unique to humans or shared with animals. Quiz yourself on the fundamental questions of free will.
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