The Problem of Free Will

The devil made me do it

1. “psychological emasculation” vol. manslaughter

2. “urban survival syndrome” deadlocked jury

3. “’Roid rage”: reduced sentence

4. “Black Rage”: Colin Ferguson

5. “Fetal trimethadione syndrome”: “uncontrollable sadism”

6. “Post-partum depression”

7. “The Twinkie Defense”

8. “Gay Panic”

Past è Present è Future A

è Future B

è Future C

Hard Determinism

Version #1: Laplace’s Demon: Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827)

“Given for one instant an intelligence which could comprehend all forces by which nature is animated and the respective situation of the beings who compose it … nothing would be uncertain and the future, as the past, would be present to its eyes”

Version #2: God: John Calvin (1509-1564)

When we attribute foreknowledge to God, we mean that all things have ever been, and perpetually remain, before His eyes, so that to His knowledge … all things are present; … He has determined in Himself what would have become of every individual of mankind. … Eternal life is foreordained for some, and eternal damnation for others.

1. If Laplace’s Demon knows that I will do X tomorrow, then it is true that I will do X tomorrow

2. If it is true that I will do X tomorrow, then I cannot possibly not do X tomorrow

3. If I cannot possibly not do X tomorrow, then I am not free to do X tomorrow

4. \If Laplace’s Demon knows that I will do X tomorrow, then I am not free to do X tomorrow.

Laplace’s demon (or Calvin’s God) & the Book of Your Life

The Hard Determinist and Morality

1. All events have prior causes

2. Our actions are events

3. \Our actions are determined by the past

4. If our actions are determined by the past, then we have no power to act otherwise

5. If we have no power to act otherwise, then we can take no free actions

6. \There are no free actions

7. If there are no free actions, no one can be held responsible for what she does or fails to do

8. \No one can be held responsible for what she does or fails to do.

Two Arguments Against Determinism

Determinism is self-defeating

1. If determinism is true, no one believes anything because they have a good reason for believing it

2. If no one believes anything because they have a good reason for believing it, no beliefs are rational

3. \If determinism is true, no beliefs are rational

4. \If determinism is true, then it is not rational to believe that determinism is true

Responsibility

1. If Determinism is true, then we have no free will

2. If we have no free will, then we are not responsible for our actions

3. We are responsible for our actions

4. \Determinism is false

Can Indeterminism Save Free Will?

1. Claim: at least some events/actions are simply uncaused

a. Sub atomic particles

b. Schrodinger’s Cat

2. Problem: this does not preserve personal responsibility!