Single Idea 3800

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

Full Idea

If a brain implant would compel you to perform an action which you in fact freely choose, then you are free, but couldn't have done otherwise.

Gist of Idea

You can be free even though force would have prevented you doing otherwise

Source

report of Daniel C. Dennett (Elbow Room: varieties of free will [1984], §6.1) by PG - Db (ideas)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Elbow Room - Free will worth wanting' [MIT 1999], p.132