7.2 Different Concepts of Freedom
Updated: January 23, 2025
Summary
Thomas Hobbs, a prominent philosopher, was a key figure in advocating for compatibilism by defining freedom as the ability to act according to one's will without external hindrances or causal determinism. Contrasting the belief that freedom is uncaused, compatibilism stresses the importance of acting in alignment with one's will without external coercion. Intentional agency plays a crucial role in determining moral responsibility, as it considers individuals' choices in various scenarios to distinguish between free and constrained actions.
Introduction to Compatibilism
Thomas Hobbs was the first great compatibilist who argued for compatibilism by focusing on the definition of freedom as the ability to do what one wills without external hindrances or causal determinism.
Contrastive Argument in Compatibilism
The contrastive argument in compatibilism emphasizes that freedom is not about being uncaused but about the ability to act according to one's will without external coercion. It highlights the distinction between acts that are free and those that are not based on constraints and influences.
Intentional Agency and Coercion
Intentional agency is the concept of being an agent who acts willingly and is not coerced. It explores scenarios where individuals make choices under varying levels of coercion, emphasizing the importance of intentional actions in determining moral responsibility.
FAQ
Q: What is compatibilism?
A: Compatibilism is the philosophical viewpoint that free will and determinism are compatible concepts, highlighting that individuals can still make choices based on their own will even in a universe governed by causal determinism.
Q: What is the contrastive argument in compatibilism?
A: The contrastive argument in compatibilism emphasizes that freedom is not about being uncaused but about the ability to act according to one's will without external coercion, distinguishing between acts that are free and those that are not based on constraints and influences.
Q: What is intentional agency?
A: Intentional agency is the concept of being an agent who acts willingly and is not coerced, exploring scenarios where individuals make choices under varying levels of coercion and highlighting the role of intentional actions in determining moral responsibility.
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