The Fate of Free Will

Question 1

substantiate

Answer 1

1. to establish by proof or competent evidence: to substantiate a charge.
2. to give substantial existence to.
3. to affirm as having substance; strengthen: to substantiate a friendship

syn.
verb support, prove, confirm, establish, affirm, verify, validate,

Question 2

fall short of

Answer 2

But science falls short of explaining this natural order and why it exists in the first place.

Question 3

transcend

Answer 3

1. to rise above or go beyond the ordinary limits of; overpass; exceed.
2. to outdo or exceed in excellence, extent, degree, etc.; surpass; excel.
3. to be independent of or prior to (the universe, time, etc.).

Question 4

metaphysics

Metaphysical thinking can supplement science in territories not accessible to empirical inquiry. Within these domains, philosophy can build on scientific knowledge rather than yield to it.

Answer 4

1. (Philosophy) the branch of philosophy that deals with first principles, esp of being and knowing
2. (Philosophy) the philosophical study of the nature of reality, concerned with such questions as the existence of God, the external world, etc

Question 5

reconcile

But there are domains in which the two might be headed toward an irreconcilable conflict.

Answer 5

1. To reestablish a close relationship between: reconciled the opposing parties.
2. To settle or resolve: reconciled the dispute.
3. To bring (oneself) to accept: He finally reconciled himself to the change in management.
4. To make compatible, harmonious, or consistent: reconcile my way of thinking with yours.
5. To compare (one financial account) so that it is consistent or compatible with another: reconciled my ledger against my bank statement.

Question 6

indispensable

Free will plays an indispensable role in guiding people actions.

Answer 6

adj.

1. Absolutely necessary; essential.
2. Obligatory; unavoidable: the routine but indispensable ceremonies of state.

Syn. essential, necessary, needed, key, vital, crucial, imperative, requisite, needful She was becoming indispensible to him.