Overview
This lecture explores compatibilism—the view that free will and determinism are compatible—and examines cases challenging our understanding of freedom, control, and moral responsibility.
Case Study: The Brain Tumor and Moral Responsibility
- A man exhibited sudden pedophilic behavior due to a brain tumor in the orbitofrontal cortex, which affected impulse control.
- Removal of the tumor stopped his impulses; their return coincided with the tumor’s recurrence.
- Raises questions about whether actions caused by medical conditions are truly "free."
Compatibilism and Soft Determinism
- Compatibilism (soft determinism) believes actions can be both determined and free if determined by internal causes.
- Free actions are those self-determined, not imposed externally.
- This view allows for moral responsibility, but questions remain about the depth of that responsibility if causes are internal but not chosen.
Challenges to Compatibilism: Frankfurt Cases
- The Principle of Alternate Possibilities states an action is free only if alternatives were possible.
- Harry Frankfurt’s cases show you can be morally responsible even if you couldn't have acted otherwise, as long as you acted on your own desires.
Internal vs. External Causes of Actions
- Distinguishing between internal and external causes is difficult since personal traits may be shaped by external factors.
- Some philosophers propose freedom is a matter of degree, not an absolute state.
Patricia Churchland’s "Control" Approach
- Churchland argues we should ask “How much control do I have?” instead of “Am I free?”
- Moral responsibility increases with the degree of control over actions.
- Some actions (like sneezing) are not blameworthy, but controllable actions (like deciding where to sneeze) are.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Compatibilism — the view that free will and determinism can coexist.
- Soft Determinism — another term for compatibilism; all actions are determined, but self-caused actions are free.
- Principle of Alternate Possibilities — the belief that a person acts freely only if they could have acted differently.
- Frankfurt Case — thought experiments showing that moral responsibility is possible even without alternate possibilities.
- Control — the degree to which a person can influence or direct their actions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on personal examples where internal vs. external causes affected your actions.
- Prepare for next unit: the philosophy of language.