Free Will I

What is the central conflict between free will and determinism?

Determinism suggests events are governed by natural laws, while free will implies we can choose between alternatives and could have chosen otherwise.

What is Classical Compatibilism?

An action or choice is free when we have the power or ability to perform the action if we want to and the action is unconstrained and unimpeded.

How does determinism align with free will according to Classical Compatibilism?

Determinism is not a constraint or impediment; only causes acting against our wills are constraints or impediments.

What are objections to Classical Compatibilism?

What if our desires are genetically or socially engineered?

What is New Compatibilism and who proposed it?

Proposed by Harry Frankfurt, it suggests that personal responsibility is based on the ability to act on reasons, not necessarily on the ability to choose otherwise.

What are first-order desires?

Desires to do or not do something.

What are second-order desires?

Desires about our first-order desires.

When do we have free will according to Frankfurt?

When there is harmony between our first- and second-order desires, meaning we are wholehearted.

When do we lack free will according to Frankfurt?

When there is conflict between our first- and second-order desires, leading to a lack of wholeheartedness.

According to Frankfurt, what is the unwilling addict?

Conflicting first- and second-order desires; lacks the will he wants and is unfree.

According to Frankfurt, what is the wanton addict?

No preference about his desires; lacks the capacity for critical self-evaluation.

According to Frankfurt, what is the willing addict?

Harmony between his first- and second-order desires; has the will he wants.

What is Frankfurt’s stance on determinism?

Freedom of will is "neutral" regarding determinism. One can be determined to have free will or have free will by chance.

What is an objection to Frankfurt’s view of free will?

Richard Double’s concern: What if we are wanton about our second-order desires? Raises the question of whether it matters how we come to be wholehearted.