Contemporary Philosophy 20th Century Onward Questions Medium
In contemporary philosophy, the role of free will is a topic of ongoing debate and exploration. Free will refers to the ability of individuals to make choices and decisions that are not determined by external factors or pre-existing conditions.
One perspective in contemporary philosophy is compatibilism, which argues that free will can coexist with determinism. According to compatibilists, even if our actions are determined by factors such as genetics, upbringing, or societal influences, we can still have free will as long as we have the ability to act in accordance with our desires and motivations. In this view, free will is not about being completely independent from causal influences, but rather about having the capacity to act in line with our own internal motivations.
On the other hand, there are philosophers who argue for a more libertarian view of free will. They believe that free will requires a complete absence of determinism, asserting that individuals have the ability to make choices that are not causally determined by any external factors. This perspective suggests that free will is incompatible with determinism and that our actions are genuinely free and undetermined.
Additionally, some contemporary philosophers explore the role of free will in relation to moral responsibility. They examine whether individuals can be held morally accountable for their actions if those actions are determined by factors beyond their control. This raises questions about the nature of personal agency and the extent to which individuals can be held responsible for their choices.
Overall, the role of free will in contemporary philosophy involves examining its compatibility with determinism, exploring different conceptions of free will, and considering its implications for moral responsibility. The ongoing debates and discussions in this field reflect the complexity and significance of the concept of free will in contemporary philosophical thought.