Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence

Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence PDF Author: Andrea Febrian
Publisher: Andrea Febrian
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 57

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Book Description
"Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence" is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating exploration of one of the most enduring and perplexing philosophical questions of all time: do we have free will, or are our lives predetermined by fate? This book delves deep into the heart of this age-old debate, examining the complex interplay between choice, consequence, and the human experience. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of philosophical perspectives, from the ancient wisdom of Aristotle and the Stoics to the groundbreaking insights of contemporary thinkers like Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris, this book offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the free will problem. Along the way, readers will encounter a wide range of fascinating topics and ideas, including: The nature of causality and determinism The relationship between free will and moral responsibility The implications of neuroscience and psychology for our understanding of agency and choice The role of chance, randomness, and uncertainty in shaping our lives The existential significance of free will for our sense of meaning, purpose, and identity Through a careful and nuanced examination of these key themes and questions, "Questions for Humans" invites readers to grapple with the profound implications of the free will debate for our understanding of ourselves, our place in the world, and the fabric of reality itself. But this book is more than just an academic exploration of abstract philosophical concepts. It is also a deeply personal and introspective journey that challenges readers to confront their own beliefs, assumptions, and experiences surrounding free will and determinism. With its engaging and accessible writing style, thought-provoking examples, and practical exercises and reflections, "Questions for Humans" is a book that not only informs and educates but also transforms and inspires. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher, a curious layperson, or simply someone who has ever wondered about the nature of choice and consequence, this book offers a timely and essential guide to one of the most important and enduring questions of human existence. Some of the key benefits and takeaways that readers can expect from this book include: A deeper understanding of the historical and conceptual foundations of the free will debate A clearer sense of the major arguments and positions on both sides of the issue A more nuanced and sophisticated appreciation for the complexity and significance of the question of free will Practical insights and tools for navigating the challenges and opportunities of living in a world where the nature of choice and agency is uncertain A renewed sense of wonder, curiosity, and humility in the face of the grand mysteries of human existence Ultimately, "Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence" is more than just a book about philosophy; it is a book about what it means to be human. By grappling with the profound implications of free will and determinism, readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the richness, complexity, and sheer mystery of the human experience. So if you are ready to embark on a fascinating and transformative journey into the heart of one of the most enduring and important questions of human existence, then "Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence" is the book for you. With its engaging and accessible style, thought-provoking insights, and practical wisdom, this book is sure to leave a lasting impact on your understanding of yourself, your place in the world, and the very nature of reality itself.

Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence

Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence PDF Author: Andrea Febrian
Publisher: Andrea Febrian
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 57

Get Book Here

Book Description
"Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence" is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating exploration of one of the most enduring and perplexing philosophical questions of all time: do we have free will, or are our lives predetermined by fate? This book delves deep into the heart of this age-old debate, examining the complex interplay between choice, consequence, and the human experience. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of philosophical perspectives, from the ancient wisdom of Aristotle and the Stoics to the groundbreaking insights of contemporary thinkers like Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris, this book offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the free will problem. Along the way, readers will encounter a wide range of fascinating topics and ideas, including: The nature of causality and determinism The relationship between free will and moral responsibility The implications of neuroscience and psychology for our understanding of agency and choice The role of chance, randomness, and uncertainty in shaping our lives The existential significance of free will for our sense of meaning, purpose, and identity Through a careful and nuanced examination of these key themes and questions, "Questions for Humans" invites readers to grapple with the profound implications of the free will debate for our understanding of ourselves, our place in the world, and the fabric of reality itself. But this book is more than just an academic exploration of abstract philosophical concepts. It is also a deeply personal and introspective journey that challenges readers to confront their own beliefs, assumptions, and experiences surrounding free will and determinism. With its engaging and accessible writing style, thought-provoking examples, and practical exercises and reflections, "Questions for Humans" is a book that not only informs and educates but also transforms and inspires. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher, a curious layperson, or simply someone who has ever wondered about the nature of choice and consequence, this book offers a timely and essential guide to one of the most important and enduring questions of human existence. Some of the key benefits and takeaways that readers can expect from this book include: A deeper understanding of the historical and conceptual foundations of the free will debate A clearer sense of the major arguments and positions on both sides of the issue A more nuanced and sophisticated appreciation for the complexity and significance of the question of free will Practical insights and tools for navigating the challenges and opportunities of living in a world where the nature of choice and agency is uncertain A renewed sense of wonder, curiosity, and humility in the face of the grand mysteries of human existence Ultimately, "Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence" is more than just a book about philosophy; it is a book about what it means to be human. By grappling with the profound implications of free will and determinism, readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the richness, complexity, and sheer mystery of the human experience. So if you are ready to embark on a fascinating and transformative journey into the heart of one of the most enduring and important questions of human existence, then "Questions for Humans: The Paradox of Free Will, Philosophical Perspectives on Fate, Choice, and Consequence" is the book for you. With its engaging and accessible style, thought-provoking insights, and practical wisdom, this book is sure to leave a lasting impact on your understanding of yourself, your place in the world, and the very nature of reality itself.

Four Views on Free Will

Four Views on Free Will PDF Author: John Martin Fischer
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1405182040
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
Focusing on the concepts and interactions of free will, moralresponsibility, and determinism, this text represents the mostup-to-date account of the four major positions in the free willdebate. Four serious and well-known philosophers explore the opposingviewpoints of libertarianism, compatibilism, hard incompatibilism,and revisionism The first half of the book contains each philosopher’sexplanation of his particular view; the second half allows them todirectly respond to each other’s arguments, in a lively andengaging conversation Offers the reader a one of a kind, interactive discussion Forms part of the acclaimed Great Debates in Philosophyseries

Free Will

Free Will PDF Author: Sam Harris
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451683405
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of The End of Faith, a thought-provoking, "brilliant and witty" (Oliver Sacks) look at the notion of free will—and the implications that it is an illusion. A belief in free will touches nearly everything that human beings value. It is difficult to think about law, politics, religion, public policy, intimate relationships, morality—as well as feelings of remorse or personal achievement—without first imagining that every person is the true source of his or her thoughts and actions. And yet the facts tell us that free will is an illusion. In this enlightening book, Sam Harris argues that this truth about the human mind does not undermine morality or diminish the importance of social and political freedom, but it can and should change the way we think about some of the most important questions in life.

Do We Have Free Will?

Do We Have Free Will? PDF Author: Robert H Kane
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000449459
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 156

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Book Description
In this little but profound volume, Robert Kane and Carolina Sartorio debate a perennial question: Do We Have Free Will? Kane introduces and defends libertarianism about free will: free will is incompatible with determinism; we are free; we are not determined. Sartorio introduces and defends compatibilism about free will: free will is compatible with determinism; we can be free even while our actions are determined through and through. Simplifying tricky terminology and complicated concepts for readers new to the debate, the authors also cover the latest developments on a controversial topic that gets us entangled in questions about blameworthiness and responsibility, coercion and control, and much more. Each author first presents their own side, and then they interact through two rounds of objections and replies. Pedagogical features include standard form arguments, section summaries, bolded key terms and principles, a glossary, and annotated reading lists. Short, lively and accessible, the debate showcases diverse and cutting-edge work on free will. As per Saul Smilansky’s foreword, Kane and Sartorio, "present the readers with two things at once: an introduction to the traditional free will problem; and a demonstration of what a great yet very much alive and relevant philosophical problem is like." Key Features: Covers major concepts, views and arguments about free will in an engaging format Accessible style and pedagogical features for students and general readers Cutting-edge contributions by preeminent scholars on free will.

The Illusion of Conscious Will

The Illusion of Conscious Will PDF Author: Daniel M. Wegner
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262290553
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 725

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Book Description
A novel contribution to the age-old debate about free will versus determinism. Do we consciously cause our actions, or do they happen to us? Philosophers, psychologists, neuroscientists, theologians, and lawyers have long debated the existence of free will versus determinism. In this book Daniel Wegner offers a novel understanding of the issue. Like actions, he argues, the feeling of conscious will is created by the mind and brain. Yet if psychological and neural mechanisms are responsible for all human behavior, how could we have conscious will? The feeling of conscious will, Wegner shows, helps us to appreciate and remember our authorship of the things our minds and bodies do. Yes, we feel that we consciously will our actions, Wegner says, but at the same time, our actions happen to us. Although conscious will is an illusion, it serves as a guide to understanding ourselves and to developing a sense of responsibility and morality. Approaching conscious will as a topic of psychological study, Wegner examines the issue from a variety of angles. He looks at illusions of the will—those cases where people feel that they are willing an act that they are not doing or, conversely, are not willing an act that they in fact are doing. He explores conscious will in hypnosis, Ouija board spelling, automatic writing, and facilitated communication, as well as in such phenomena as spirit possession, dissociative identity disorder, and trance channeling. The result is a book that sidesteps endless debates to focus, more fruitfully, on the impact on our lives of the illusion of conscious will.

Freewill, Foreknowledge, and Fate

Freewill, Foreknowledge, and Fate PDF Author: Abraham Tucker
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Free will and determinism
Languages : en
Pages : 312

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Book Description


Free Will Explained

Free Will Explained PDF Author: Dan Barker
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
ISBN: 1454927364
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 134

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Book Description
A compelling essay on free will from an internationally recognized authority on atheism, and author of God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction. Do we have free will? And if we don’t, why do we feel as if we do? In a godless universe governed by impersonal laws of cause and effect, are you responsible for your actions? Former evangelical minister Dan Barker (God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction) unveils a novel solution to the question that has baffled scientists and philosophers for millennia. He outlines the concept of what he calls “harmonic free will,” a two-dimensional perspective that pivots the paradox on its axis to show that there is no single answer—both sides are right. Free will is a useful illusion: not a scientific, but a social truth.

Thinking about Free Will

Thinking about Free Will PDF Author: Peter van Inwagen
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107166500
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
This volume brings together van Inwagen's most significant essays in this major field, addressing key topics and including two entirely new chapters.

Why Free Will Is Real

Why Free Will Is Real PDF Author: Christian List
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674239814
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
A crystal-clear, scientifically rigorous argument for the existence of free will, challenging what many scientists and scientifically minded philosophers believe. Philosophers have argued about the nature and the very existence of free will for centuries. Today, many scientists and scientifically minded commentators are skeptical that it exists, especially when it is understood to require the ability to choose between alternative possibilities. If the laws of physics govern everything that happens, they argue, then how can our choices be free? Believers in free will must be misled by habit, sentiment, or religious doctrine. Why Free Will Is Real defies scientific orthodoxy and presents a bold new defense of free will in the same naturalistic terms that are usually deployed against it. Unlike those who defend free will by giving up the idea that it requires alternative possibilities to choose from, Christian List retains this idea as central, resisting the tendency to defend free will by watering it down. He concedes that free will and its prerequisites—intentional agency, alternative possibilities, and causal control over our actions—cannot be found among the fundamental physical features of the natural world. But, he argues, that’s not where we should be looking. Free will is a “higher-level” phenomenon found at the level of psychology. It is like other phenomena that emerge from physical processes but are autonomous from them and not best understood in fundamental physical terms—like an ecosystem or the economy. When we discover it in its proper context, acknowledging that free will is real is not just scientifically respectable; it is indispensable for explaining our world.

Fate, Time, and Language

Fate, Time, and Language PDF Author: David Foster Wallace
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231151578
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 264

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Book Description
Presents David Foster Wallace critiques philosopher Richard Taylor's work implying that humans have no control over the future and includes essays linking Wallace's critique with his later works of fiction.