Free will unit

Question 1

what is free will?

Answer 1

the ability to make choices and control one’s actions.

Question 2

surface freedom

Answer 2

Freedom to act without external constraints (e.g., choosing what to eat).

Question 3

deep freedom

Answer 3

The idea that we are the ultimate source of our choices.

Question 4

the puzzle of free will:

Answer 4

-if things happen randomly, how are we responsible
-if things everything happens for a reason, how is it free?

Question 5

problem of divine forknowledge

Answer 5

If God already knows everything, including our choices, can we be free?

Question 6

determinism

Answer 6

Every event is caused by past events and natural laws

Question 7

indeterminism

Answer 7

some events are random

Question 8

dilemma of determinism

Answer 8

If determinism is true, we are not truly free.

If indeterminism is true, our choices are just random.

Question 8

compatibilism

Answer 8

Free will and determinism can both be true.

Question 9

incompatibilism

Answer 9

Free will can only exist if determinism is false.

Question 10

2 types of incompatibilism

Answer 10

Skepticism About Free Will:

Libertarianism

Question 11

skepticism of incompatibilism

Answer 11

no one has free will

Question 12

libertarian

Answer 12

Free will is real, but it requires indeterminism.

Question 13

Empirical Argument for Skepticism

Answer 13

brain activity happens before we are consciously aware of making a decision. actions determined by brain

Question 14

Galen Strawson’s ‘Basic Argument’

Answer 14

We don’t control our personality and beliefs.

Our choices come from our personality and beliefs.

Therefore, we don’t ultimately control our choices.

Question 15

What is Libertarianism?

Answer 15

The belief that free will is real and not compatible with determinism.

Question 16

The ‘Extra Factor’ Strategy

Answer 16

Since randomness alone doesn’t give us free will, libertarians argue we need an extra factor.

Question 17

What is Agent-Causation?

Answer 17

The idea that people (agents) cause actions in a way that isn’t determined by prior events.

Question 18

the problem of agent causation

Answer 18

How do agents cause actions without being determined or random?

Question 19

What is Classical Compatibilism (Soft Determinism)?

Answer 19

the idea that free will is acting without external constraints, even if our choices are determined.

Question 20

Free action:

Answer 20

Doing what you want without coercion (e.g., walking by choice, not force).

Question 21

Unfree action:

Answer 21

Being forced or controlled (e.g., being held at gunpoint

Question 22

Cause:

Answer 22

Influences an action

Question 23

Constraint:

Answer 23

Prevents freedom

Question 24

why do cause and constraint matter:

Answer 24

compatibilists say being caused to act is okay, as long as we aren’t constrained.

Question 25

the consequence argument

Answer 25

If determinism is true, our actions result from past events + laws of nature. We can’t control past events or laws. Therefore, we don’t truly control our actions.

Question 26

What is the Reactive Attitudes Approach?

Answer 26

Free will is about social attitudes

Question 27

What are Reactive Attitudes?

Answer 27

Emotions like gratitude, resentment, or forgiveness that come from how we perceive others’ actions.

Question 28

What Makes Someone a ‘Fit’ Subject of Reactive Attitudes?

Answer 28

They act intentionally and understand right from wrong. Example: We blame adults for lying but not babies.

Question 29

criticism of reactive attitudes

Answer 29

Doesn’t answer whether we really control our actions—just focuses on social response

Question 30

Darrow’s Argument Against Free Will

Answer 30

Defended criminals by arguing they were shaped by their environment and had no true choice. If free will is an illusion, how can we justify punishment?

Question 31

Optimism:

Answer 31

Rejecting free will could lead to a more compassionate society.

Question 32

Pessimism:

Answer 32

Losing belief in free will could undermine moral responsibility.