L7-Free Will Good & Evil

Why is free will considered important?

It allows for intentional agency, an open future, and ultimate responsibility for actions.

What tension exists regarding free will and the external world?

The tension arises from the belief that we freely choose our behavior, that every event has a cause, and that free will and determinism cannot both be true.

What is hard determinism?

A philosophical position that denies free will, asserting that all choices are determined by prior causes.

What does libertarianism assert about free will?

It denies determinism, claiming that individuals have the capacity to make decisions that are not determined by prior events.

What is compatibilism?

The belief that free will and determinism can coexist, denying that they conflict.

What is Laplace's Demon?

A thought experiment illustrating hard determinism, suggesting that if one knew all physical laws and conditions, they could predict the future.

How does determinism differ from fatalism?

Determinism allows for deliberation influencing decisions, while fatalism suggests that outcomes are predetermined regardless of deliberation.

What is agent-causal libertarianism?

The view that individuals have the capacity to make decisions that are not determined by prior events, starting new causal chains.

What is event-causal libertarianism?

The belief that actions are caused by prior events but not determined by them, allowing for some indeterminism in decision-making.

What role does chaos theory play in the discussion of free will?

It suggests that small differences in initial conditions can lead to unpredictable outcomes, which some argue could support libertarian free will.

How does quantum physics challenge determinism?

It introduces the idea of genuinely random and uncaused events at the subatomic level, though it does not automatically imply free will.

What is the argument presented by Sam Harris regarding free will?

He argues that neuroscience may eliminate the concept of free will by explaining how actions occur without implying they are fully determined.

What is the significance of reactive emotions in the compatibilist view?

Reactive emotions like gratitude and resentment assume that individuals can control their actions, suggesting a different approach to understanding free will.

What distinguishes compatibilism from libertarianism?

Compatibilism asserts that actions are determined by internal states and character, while libertarianism emphasizes indeterminism occurring close to the decision.

What is the main critique of determinism regarding human choice?

Critics argue that if choices are predetermined, deliberation about future actions becomes pointless, suggesting a conflict with the experience of free will.

What does the term 'impossibilism' refer to?

The view that free will is impossible, regardless of whether determinism or indeterminism is true.

What is the role of personal history in shaping behavior according to critics of determinism?

Personal history, including genes and early experiences, strongly influences desires and choices, complicating the determinism debate.

How do compatibilists define free action?

As actions that are done voluntarily and caused by internal states like desires and beliefs, distinguishing them from coerced actions.

What is the implication of the statement 'it feels bad' in the context of free will?

This reaction to the removal of choice is seen as separate from the actual existence of free will, not a strong argument against determinism.

What does the compatibilist view say about coercion?

Compatibilism states that being coerced removes free will, while libertarianism suggests individuals still have the capacity to choose under coercion.

What does the term 'determinism' imply about the nature of causality?

It implies that all events, including human actions, are caused by preceding events according to physical laws.

What is the philosophical problem created by the coexistence of free will and determinism?

Accepting that we freely choose our behavior, that all events have a cause, and that both cannot be true leads to a contradiction.

What is the significance of the 'open future' concept in free will discussions?

It suggests that while the past is fixed, our choices can lead to multiple possible futures, emphasizing the role of agency.

How do beliefs and desires influence our actions according to the concept of intentional agency?

They influence our actions but do not fully determine them, allowing for genuine choice.

What is libertarianism in the context of free will?

The belief that individuals have the capacity to choose, even under coercion.

What is the problem with simple compatibilism?

It reduces free will to just acting on desires, conflicting with our common sense of free will.

Who distinguished between first-order and second-order desires?

Harry Frankfurt.

What is a first-order desire?

An impulse or basic desire.

What is a second-order desire?

A desire about desires, such as wishing to want something.

How does free will depend on second-order desires?

Free will is expressed when individuals act on their second-order desires.

What is the difference between a willing and an unwilling addict in terms of free will?

An unwilling addict has conflicting first- and second-order desires, lacking free will; a willing addict's desires align, expressing free will.

What do critics argue about compatibilism?

They argue it preserves the form of free will but not its traditional substance.

How is free will applied in legal systems?

It is applied compatibilistically, focusing on whether actions were voluntary and uncoerced.

What is Peter van Inwagen's Consequences Argument?

It argues that if determinism is true, no one can control the future, challenging compatibilism.

What is impossibilism?

The belief that free will is impossible, regardless of determinism.

What is Galen Strawson's argument regarding moral responsibility?

Ultimate moral responsibility is incoherent because individuals cannot control who they are.

What did Benjamin Libet's experiments in the 1980s test?

The timing of conscious decisions and the relationship between neural activity and conscious awareness.

What was Libet's key finding regarding readiness potential?

Readiness potential began before participants were consciously aware of deciding to move.

What did Haynes' 2008 replication of Libet's findings suggest?

It could predict a participant's decision up to ~10 seconds before conscious awareness.

What philosophical implication arises from Libet's findings?

It challenges the notion of conscious free will, suggesting that decisions may be initiated unconsciously.

What is 'free won't' as proposed by Richard Gregory?

The ability to inhibit or control responses, suggesting a redefinition of free will.

What did Baumeister argue regarding free will and ego depletion?

Free will is a resource that can be depleted with use, affecting self-control.

What did Friese et al. (2019) find in their review of ego depletion research?

They noted failed replications and methodological issues that questioned the robustness of the ego depletion effect.

What are the dimensions of impulsivity according to Whiteside & Lynam (2001)?

Lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, urgency, and sensation-seeking.

What was Thomas Hobbes' view on human nature?

He believed humans are naturally bad/selfish and motivated by survival.

What did Hobbes argue in 'Leviathan' regarding social order?

He argued for an all-powerful sovereign to ensure peace and avoid conflict.

What basic emotions did Hobbes identify as central to human nature?

Fear (negative) and desire for power (positive).

What is the implication of Hobbes' view on aggression?

Aggression is seen as central to human nature and necessary for survival.

What is the central idea of social contract theory?

People exchange obedience for a peaceful life.

What was Hobbes' view on human nature?

Hobbes believed that without authority, people face universal insecurity.

Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?

A philosopher who believed humans are naturally peaceful and decent.

What is Rousseau's famous quote from The Social Contract?

"Man is born free, and he is everywhere in chains."

What critique did Rousseau have about civilization?

He argued that agriculture and society corrupt humans and create strife.

What is a Hobbesian support for altruism?

Many moral exhortations appeal to self-interest, even when promoting altruism.

What question does the evaluation of Hobbes and Rousseau raise about human nature?

If humans aren't naturally selfish, why do we need moral systems to guide altruistic behavior?

What is the focus of behaviorism in psychology?

Morality depends on environment, not innate goodness or badness.

Who is John B. Watson?

A psychologist who believed anyone can be shaped into anything given the right environment.

What are the Big Five personality traits?

Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness.

What does the California F Scale measure?

Authoritarianism as a personality trait linked to susceptibility to certain behaviors.

What is psychoticism according to Eysenck?

Traits associated with impulsivity, psychosis, antisocial behavior, and inappropriate emotions.

What evidence challenges Rousseau's view of humans as naturally peaceful?

Studies show chimpanzees exhibit violent behaviors, suggesting violence may be an evolved tactic.

What did Frans de Waal's research on chimpanzees reveal?

Chimpanzees show prosocial behavior, such as comforting distressed group members.

What was the main finding of Dunn et al.'s 2008 study on spending and happiness?

Spending on others is linked to increased happiness, while spending on self shows no clear link.

What limitation was noted in the studies on prosocial spending and happiness?

Findings are not robust and show mixed results in replications.

What did the Stanford Prison Experiment demonstrate about behavior?

Situations often influence behavior more than personal dispositions.

What was a major issue with Zimbardo's role in the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Zimbardo acted as both researcher and warden, creating a conflict of interest.

What is Pinker's hypothesis regarding violence and discrimination?

There has been a long-term decline in violence, war, and discrimination.

What are some possible causes for the decline in violence according to Pinker?

Better policing, democracy, trade, empathy, and egalitarian leadership.

What does the evidence suggest about the relationship between civilization and human nature?

It challenges both Hobbes' view that civilization represses selfishness and Rousseau's view that society corrupts goodness.