Exam 5: Free Will

What does Frankfurt claim is usually assumed in discussions of free will? Why is the assumption problematic? Explain why you do or do not agree with him.

According to James, everything that happens by chance is intrinsically irrational.

Explain how indeterminism might be thought to threaten our responsibility.

In Frankfurt's case, Black

Frankfurt claims that Jones is not morally responsible in the case he describes.

According to Churchland, the self is

According to James, whether determinism or indeterminism is true

James argues that determinism implies that either evil or error is necessary.

Explain why Stace claims that philosophers who deny free will assume a certain definition of "free will."

According to Hume, our idea of power or necessary connection is derived from

What is the ultimate conclusion of Levy's article? Do you find this satisfying? Explain.

Black actually does nothing in the example given by Frankfurt.

What characterizes a libertarian with respect to free will? What objections does this view face?

Explain how the two formulations of the definition of "cause" provided by Hume are equivalent.

Churchland argues that the self is an illusion constructed by the brain.

What is the significance of Black in Frankfurt's example? Explain.

Explain the difference between a Frankfurt-style case and a Frankfurt-enabler case.

What does James think should be the basis for a reasonable decision regarding the issue of freedom and determinism? Do you agree? Explain.

Hume thinks that the doctrine of liberty is compatible with the doctrine of necessity.

Summarize Darrow's argument. Now define "hard determinism," "soft determinism," and "libertarianism" in terms of which premises they accept or reject.