It is typically assumed that human beings have the power of free will, and if we didn’t have it, we would be worse off. In this thesis I challenge these assumptions, proposing that we not only lack free will, but are better off without it. I begin by exploring the various ways people have written about free will, starting with an examination of religious perspectives through to contemporary analytic philosophy. Next, I argue in favour of rejecting free will belief, and instead promoting affirmation, a positive view of determinism. Central to my concept of affirmation is a minimally revisionist approach to determinism that takes the folk perspective as its foundation. To conclude, I address the various challenges to a deterministic worldview, including praise, punishment, relationships, and meaning in life.
| Date of Award | 2023 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
- free will and determinism
Affirming determinism : on free will belief and the benefits of life without it
Steven, P. (Author). 2023
Western Sydney University thesis: Doctoral thesis