Single Idea 5344

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 1. Nature of Free Will]

Full Idea

Free will is said to give us self-control, self-expression, individuality, reasons-sensitivity, rational deliberation, rational accountability, moral accountability, the capacity to do otherwise, unpredictability, and political freedom.

Gist of Idea

Free will is held to give us a whole list of desirable capacities for living

Source

Owen Flanagan (The Problem of the Soul [2002], p.104)

Book Reference

Flanagan,Owen: 'The Problem of the Soul' [Basic Books 2003], p.104


A Reaction

Nice list. His obvious challenge is to either say we can live happily without some of these things, or else show how we can have them without 'free will'. Personally I agree with Flanagan that we meet the challenge.