The metaphysics of free will : an essay on control
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The metaphysics of free will : an essay on control
(Aristotelian Society series, v. 14)
Blackwell, 1994
- : hbk
- : pbk
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Note
Includes bibliographical references and index
Description and Table of Contents
- Volume
-
: hbk ISBN 9781557861559
Description
In this text, Fischer argues that although we naturally assume that we have control of our behaviour and are morally responsible agents, the assumption that we have this sort of control can be called into question. Arguments can be made that if, say, causal determinism obtains or God exists, we lack this sort of control. And it is not absolutely evident that causal determinism is false and God does not exist. Thus, some of the most important and fundamental features of our lives can be put in doubt. Fischer attempts to protect us from these skeptical doubts by setting out new arguments about the nature of free will and control. His view suggests that we can be confident of our moral responsibility and personhood even if causal determinism turned out to be true or God were to exist.
Table of Contents
- The issues
- the transfer principle - its plausibility
- the transfer principle - its role
- the laws and the past - the Basic argument for incompatibilism
- the basic version and Newcomb's problem
- the facts
- responsibility and alternative possibilities
- moral responsibility and guidance control
- putting it together.
- Volume
-
: pbk ISBN 9781557868572
Description
The Metaphysics of Free Will provides a through statement of the major grounds for skepticism about the reality of free will and moral responsibility. The author identifies and explains the sort of control that is associated with personhood and accountability, and shows how it is consistent with causal determinism. In so doing, out view of ourselves as morally responsible agents is protected against the disturbing changes posed by science and religion.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements. 1. The Issues.
2. The Transfer Principle: Its Plausability.
3. The Transfer Prnciple: Its Role.
4. The Laws and the Past: The Conditional Version of the Argument.
5. The Basic Version and Newcomb's Problem.
6. The Facts.
7. Responsibility and Alternative Possibilities.
8. Moral Responsibility and Guidance Control.
9. Putting it Together.
Notes.
Fischer Bibliography.
Bibliography.
Index.
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