Single Idea 5332

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 5. Against Free Will]

Full Idea

Most people believe we have free will, and that this consists in the ability to circumvent natural law. The trouble is that the only device ever philosophically invented that can do this sort of job is an incorporeal soul or mind.

Gist of Idea

People believe they have free will that circumvents natural law, but only an incorporeal mind could do this

Source

Owen Flanagan (The Problem of the Soul [2002], Pref)

Book Reference

Flanagan,Owen: 'The Problem of the Soul' [Basic Books 2003], p.-8


A Reaction

I think this is exactly right. We currently have a western world full of people who have rejected dualism, but still cling on to free will, because they think morality depends on it. I think morality depends on personal identity, but not on free will.