Overview
This lecture explores the philosophical problem of free will, focusing on William James's contributions, the tension between determinism and indeterminism, and introduces the two-stage decision process for understanding human freedom.
Personal Background & Approach
- Bob Doyle introduces himself as an astrophysicist and information philosopher.
- He avoids traditional analytic philosophy, focusing instead on information structures in the universe.
- Inspired by a philosophy of religion course and ongoing interest in free will.
The Problem of Free Will
- Free will is a 2400-year-old philosophical problem: are our choices determined or genuinely free?
- Two main camps: determinists (everything, including thoughts, is causally determined) and free will advocates (individuals are the creative authors of actions).
- Modern determinism is often linked to neuroscience and the idea that all actions are caused by genetics or environment.
William James & Free Will
- William James asserted his free will by choosing to believe it existed, despite doubts.
- He experienced a personal crisis over determinism and resolved it by actively choosing belief in free will.
- James proposed that belief in free will could make a difference in one's life and actions.
Determinism, Compatibilism, and Indeterminism
- Hard determinism: All events, including thoughts and actions, are determined from the beginning of time.
- Soft determinism/compatibilism: Freedom means freedom from external coercion, but the will is still determined.
- Compatibilists (e.g., Hobbes, Hume) accept freedom of action but deny uncaused will.
- Indeterminism allows for chance, which James embraced as a necessary component of freedom.
The Two-Stage Decision Process
- James's model: decision-making occurs in two stages.
- Stage 1: Random alternatives (chance) present themselves in the mind.
- Stage 2: The individual focuses, pays attention, and consents to one alternative, making an "adequately determined" choice.
- This process distinguishes between unpredictable future possibilities and the determined, unchangeable past.
- James saw parallels between this and genetic evolution (random variation plus selection).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Determinism — The belief that all events, including human actions, are causally determined by preceding events or laws.
- Compatibilism — The position that free will is compatible with determinism if defined as freedom from external coercion.
- Indeterminism — The view that not all events are causally determined, allowing for genuine chance in the universe.
- Two-stage decision process — James’s idea that free will involves both chance (offering alternatives) and choice (selecting among them).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review William James's "Dilemma of Determinism" for further insight.
- Explore website resources on various philosophers' positions regarding free will.