100 Introduction to Philosophy 

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PHIL 100/200 Week 3

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The attempt to reconcile freewill with determinism

The compatibilist line of argument:

What we mean by 'free' is unconstrained.

• First example: You can't hang on any longer
• Second example: the kleptomaniac magistrate
• (Digression: Separating clear points out and articulating them is a large part of philosophising. And a difficult one.)
• Third example: action under duress

How might our actions be 'constrained'?

• Action under duress
• Habitual obedience
• Psychological condition

Examination of compatibilist argument

Argument for 'free' not meaning 'uncaused'.

• 'Free' is only meaningful if it is used to make a distinction.
• If 'free' meant 'uncaused', it would apply to nothing (if determinism is right).
• Therefore, 'free' cannot mean 'uncaused'.

Compatibilism riposted

What is important is whether a different decision could have been taken.

Compatibilist response: 'could' means would have if circumstances had been different. A determinist can use 'could' in this sense.

The anti-compatibilist response: the question is whether we can choose categorically, not hypothetically.

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