Walter Sinnott-Armstrong - Philosophy Of Free Will

In the grand symphony of existence, there are questions that have fascinated humanity since time immemorial. One such question is the enigmatic nature of free will. It's a term we've all heard, but have we ever paused to consider its essence? As we journey through this fascinating exploration, we will peel away the layers of preconceived notions, cultural baggage, and emotions that shroud the concept of free will.

The Essence of Freedom

To embark on this philosophical quest, let's begin by dissecting the term "free." In everyday contexts, we often use the word "free" when we inquire about the availability of something. Are the pens at the hotel free? Does that seat at the restaurant come free? In these instances, "free" implies the absence of barriers or constraints, be it cost or reservations. When we delve into free will and free action, we are primarily concerned with the absence of physical and psychological barriers preventing us from pursuing our desires.

The crux lies in identifying the relevant barriers in any given situation. If the goal is to ascertain responsibility, certain constraints such as delusions or physical confinement may be relevant, whereas the wiring of one's brain may not be. After all, our desires are intricately woven into our brain patterns. To suggest that your brain made you act a certain way is essentially saying that you acted according to your desires. It's a matter of responsibility and not an evasion tactic. In essence, your brain is an extension of your choices.

Breaking Down the Concept of "Could"

The pivotal question arises: Could you have acted differently? The word "could" seems straightforward, but it's rife with subtleties. Take, for instance, someone declining an invitation to a movie due to work commitments. It's not a physical impossibility but a matter of cost – the cost of prioritizing work. The notion of "could" hinges on identifying the relevant barriers, and this can vary depending on the context.

So, whether someone is physically constrained or merely guided by their brain patterns, the crux of the matter is whether their actions are driven by their desires. If the wiring in your brain aligns with your desires, claiming that your brain made you act that way is equivalent to saying that you acted as you wanted to. In the realm of moral responsibility, it's not about being physically tied to a chair; it's about the choices you make based on your desires.

Deciphering the Complexity of Will

Now, let's pivot to the concept of "will." The will is an intricate terrain to navigate, as it encompasses desire, intention, and decision. Imagine you're a golfer, contemplating a game. You desire to play golf, then you form an intention, plan it out, make arrangements, but you haven't willed the action yet. Willing, in the context of free will, crystallizes at the precise moment you address the golf ball.

At that moment, you make a conscious choice – to swing or not to swing. The critical point here is that this choice is driven by your desires. You had the freedom to swing earlier or later, but your brain's wiring led you to swing at that particular moment. If you willingly chose to act in accordance with your desires, then it's a testament to your freedom.

Debunking the Philosophy of Free Will

In the realm of philosophy, the concept of free will has sparked a fervent debate between compatibilists and incompatibilists. The former argue that freedom can coexist with determinism, while the latter contend that determinism and freedom are inherently at odds. Yet, in the labyrinth of philosophy, there's a need for a nuanced perspective.

In reality, there are two facets of freedom: freedom from causation and freedom from constraint and ignorance. The former is indeed incompatible with determinism, while the latter can harmonize with it. It's crucial to understand what we truly mean by freedom before dissecting the nature of free will. When we discern the layers of meaning, we recognize that will can be both free and constrained, contingent on which dimension of freedom we explore.

In the end, the profundity of free will and consciousness remains enigmatic, characterized by its multifaceted nature. Philosophers may spar in the arena of ideas, but as we journey through life, it becomes apparent that our actions are a symphony of desire, intention, and choice. The essence of free will lies in the alignment of these elements, a dance in the theater of consciousness.