![]() ![]() ![]() Consider the 1998 movie, The Truman Show. ![]() In this chapter we will consider these different positions and some of the arguments for, as well as objections to, them. Thus, it is crucial to be clear in defining what we mean by “free will” and “determinism.” As we will see, these turn out to be difficult and contested philosophical questions. The philosophical problem of free will and determinism is the problem of whether or not free will exists in light of determinism. There is an important general point here that extends beyond the issue of free will: when debating whether or not x exists, we must first be clear on defining x, otherwise we will end up simply talking past each other. Thus, it will be important to be very clear on what precisely we are talking about when we are either affirming or denying that humans have free will. With a concept as slippery as that of free will, it is not surprising that there is often disagreement. But what do these terms mean, exactly? What does it mean to claim that humans are (or are not) free? Almost anyone living in a liberal democracy today would affirm that freedom is a good thing, but they almost certainly do not all agree on what freedom is. The founders of the United States often extolled the virtues of “liberty” and “freedom,” as well as cautioned us about how difficult they were to maintain. The term “freedom” is used in many contexts, from legal, to moral, to psychological, to social, to political, to theological. “None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.” ![]() “Man can do what he wills but he cannot will what he wills.” Everyone understands that this illogical answer is an irrefutable proof of freedom.” ![]()
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