Free will

Free will is the concept that individuals have the ability to make choices and decisions independently, without being determined by prior causes or external influences. It suggests that people can exercise control over their actions and are responsible for the consequences of those actions. Philosophically, free will has been a topic of debate for centuries and is often contrasted with determinism, the idea that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events according to the laws of nature.

Metaphysical libertarianism is a philosophical position that asserts the existence of free will in a way that is incompatible with determinism. In essence, it argues that individuals can make choices that are not predetermined by prior states of the world or natural laws. This position maintains that people have the capacity to act otherwise than they do, suggesting that their actions are not solely determined by external factors or causal chains.

"13 Things That Don't Make Sense" is a popular science book written by Michael Brooks, published in 2008. In this book, Brooks explores a variety of scientific phenomena and concepts that remain puzzling or that challenge our understanding of the natural world. He discusses topics ranging from the nature of consciousness to the mysteries of quantum mechanics and the origins of the universe. The book addresses questions that scientists and researchers have yet to fully answer, highlighting the gaps in our knowledge and the complexities of scientific inquiry.

In philosophy, "agency" refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently, make choices, and impose those choices onto the world. It encompasses the idea of having control over one's actions and the ability to make decisions that influence one's life and the environment. Agency is often discussed in various contexts, including ethics, social theory, political philosophy, and metaphysics. Key aspects of agency include: 1. **Autonomy**: The ability to make one's own choices without external coercion or interference.

In Mormonism, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), "agency" refers to the God-given ability and right of individuals to make choices and act for themselves. This concept is central to LDS theology and is tied to the belief that human beings are created with the capacity to choose between good and evil, which is essential for moral accountability and spiritual growth.

Akrasia is a philosophical term that refers to a state of acting against one's better judgment. It describes a situation where an individual knows the right course of action or what they should do, yet fails to act accordingly due to lack of self-control or weakness of will. The term originates from ancient Greek philosophy, notably in the works of Plato and Aristotle, who discussed it in the context of ethics and moral psychology.

Alessandro De Angelis was an Italian Jesuit priest known for his contributions to education and the Jesuit mission. He is recognized for his work in theology, philosophy, or literature, reflecting the Jesuit commitment to intellectual pursuit and education. However, it’s important to note that there might be more than one individual with that name in different contexts.

Alvin Plantinga's free-will defense is a philosophical argument designed to address the problem of evil, particularly the challenge posed by the existence of gratuitous suffering in a world created by an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God. The problem of evil raises the question of how such a God could permit the existence of evil and suffering. Plantinga's free-will defense asserts that one possible reason for the existence of evil is that God granted humans free will.

Arbitrariness generally refers to a lack of a clear or inherent connection between two things. In different fields, it can take on specific meanings: 1. **Linguistics**: In the study of language, arbitrariness refers to the relationship between a word and its meaning. For example, the word “dog” does not have an inherent connection to the animal it represents; it is a social convention agreed upon by speakers of English.

The Argument from Free Will is a philosophical and theological concept that is often used to address the existence of evil in the world and its implications for the idea of an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God. In essence, the argument posits that the existence of genuine free will is necessary for moral responsibility and that this necessary free will can lead to the presence of evil and suffering in the world.

Benjamin Libet (1916-2007) was a prominent American neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking research in the field of neurophysiology, particularly related to the nature of voluntary action and consciousness. One of his most significant contributions is the concept known as the "Libet experiment," which he conducted in the 1980s. In these experiments, Libet measured the brain activity associated with willing an action using electroencephalography (EEG).

Compatibilism is a philosophical viewpoint regarding free will and determinism. It argues that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive; that is, it is possible for both to coexist. According to compatibilists, even if all events are determined by prior causes (a deterministic universe), individuals can still act freely if their actions align with their desires and intentions.

Conscious automatism refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals perform actions or produce thoughts without conscious awareness or intentional control, yet they remain aware of the process. It is often associated with surrealism and certain artistic and literary movements, where creators aim to tap into the subconscious mind to generate spontaneous and uninhibited expressions.

The Consequence Argument is a philosophical argument primarily associated with discussions of free will and determinism. It is often used to challenge the idea that humans can have free will in a deterministic universe. The argument suggests that if determinism is true, then every event (including human actions) is the result of prior events in accordance with the laws of nature.

The "default effect," also known as the "status quo bias" or "default bias," refers to the tendency of people to stick with pre-set options or the existing state of affairs because changing requires effort, decision-making, or a perceived risk. In various contexts, such as behavioral economics, decision-making, and marketing, defaults can significantly influence people's choices and behaviors. For example: 1. **Retirement Savings**: Many employers offer retirement plans where employees are automatically enrolled unless they opt out.

Epiphenomenalism is a philosophical theory regarding the relationship between the mind and the body, particularly in the context of consciousness and physical processes. It suggests that mental states, such as thoughts, feelings, and sensations, are byproducts (or "epiphenomena") of physical processes in the brain and body, but do not have any causal influence on physical events.

Frankfurt cases, named after philosopher Harry Frankfurt, are thought experiments designed to illustrate certain aspects of free will and moral responsibility. They present scenarios in which a person appears to be morally responsible for their actions, even though an external factor could have potentially intervened to alter the outcome. The classic example involves a character named Jones who is about to make a choice (e.g., voting for a candidate).

"Free Will" is a philosophical book by the American author and neuroscientist Sam Harris, published in 2012. In this work, Harris argues against the concept of free will, positing that human actions are determined by a combination of biological and environmental factors. He suggests that our thoughts and decisions arise from unconscious processes, and that the experience of making choices is an illusion. Harris examines various perspectives on free will, including philosophical, scientific, and moral implications.

"Free Will Hunting" is a term that likely combines themes from free will, a philosophical concept about the ability of individuals to make choices, and "Good Will Hunting," which is a popular film released in 1997. In "Good Will Hunting," the story revolves around a young janitor at MIT who is a self-taught mathematical genius, dealing with personal struggles and emotional issues as he learns to confront his past and embrace his potential.

Free will in antiquity is a concept that varied significantly across different cultures, philosophical schools, and religious traditions. Here are some key perspectives from various ancient civilizations: ### Ancient Greece 1. **Philosophical Views**: - **Socrates**: Suggested that virtue is tied to knowledge. If people knew what was right, they would choose it. This implies a form of free will since knowing the good would lead to good actions.

In theology, free will refers to the ability of human beings to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or divine intervention. It is a significant concept in various religious and philosophical traditions, often linked to discussions about moral responsibility, sin, salvation, and divine sovereignty. ### Key Aspects of Free Will in Theology: 1. **Moral Responsibility**: The concept of free will is closely tied to the idea of moral accountability.

Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century German philosopher, had complex and often critical views on the concept of free will. His thoughts on the subject are intertwined with his broader philosophical ideas about morality, power, and the nature of existence. 1. **Critique of Free Will**: Nietzsche challenged the traditional notion of free will, particularly the idea that individuals possess a completely autonomous self capable of making choices independent of external influences.

Gaussian adaptation refers to a statistical technique or a family of methods used to adaptively modify a Gaussian distribution based on observed data. This concept is often applied in various fields, including machine learning, statistical inference, and signal processing. Here are a few contexts where Gaussian adaptation is relevant: 1. **Probabilistic Models**: In Bayesian statistics, Gaussian adaptation can be used to update the parameters of a Gaussian distribution as new data becomes available.

The concept of the "general will" (French: "volonté générale") is most prominently associated with the political philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In his work "The Social Contract," Rousseau articulates this idea as a collective will that represents the common interests of the people, transcending individual desires and preferences.

Haltlose personality disorder is not a formally recognized diagnosis in contemporary psychology or psychiatry. The term "haltlose" is derived from a German word that translates to "uncontrolled" or "unrestrained." In some contexts, it has been used to describe a personality style characterized by impulsivity, erratic behavior, and difficulties in emotional regulation or self-control.

Higher-order volition refers to the complex process of reflecting on and evaluating one’s desires, intentions, and motivations at a level beyond mere immediate impulses or basic desires. In this context, higher-order volition involves not just experiencing a desire but also having the capacity to endorse or reject that desire based on deeper values, principles, or long-term goals.

Hobson's choice refers to a situation where one must choose between two options, but in reality, only one viable option is available. The term originates from Thomas Hobson, a 17th-century stable owner who offered customers a choice of either taking the horse that was closest to the door or none at all. Essentially, it means "take it or leave it.

Illusionism is a philosophical perspective primarily concerned with consciousness and the nature of subjective experience. It suggests that our conscious experiences, particularly qualia (the subjective qualities of experiences such as "redness" or "pain"), are illusory. Proponents of illusionism argue that what we perceive as conscious experiences do not correspond to any intrinsic qualities or properties but are instead the result of complex brain processes that create the appearance of such experiences.

Involuntary memory refers to the spontaneous recollection of past experiences, events, or information without deliberate effort or intention. This type of memory emerges without conscious awareness and can be triggered by various stimuli, such as sights, sounds, smells, or emotions. It often evokes vivid details and strong emotional responses, making the memories feel especially salient or significant.

Libertarianism, in the context of metaphysics, refers to a philosophical position that asserts the existence of free will and addresses the nature of human agency, particularly in relation to determinism. It is distinct from the political philosophy of libertarianism, which emphasizes individual liberty and minimal state intervention. Metaphysical libertarianism holds that individuals have the capacity to make free choices that are not determined by prior states of affairs.

Liberty generally refers to the state of being free within a society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views. The concept encompasses various dimensions, including: 1. **Personal Liberty**: The freedom of individuals to make choices about their lives without excessive interference from the government, as long as those choices do not harm others.

"Life Is a Dream" (Spanish: "La vida es sueño") is a classic Spanish play written by the playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca in the 17th century, around 1635. It is one of the key works of the Spanish Golden Age and is often considered a philosophical exploration of the nature of reality and free will.

Logical determinism is a philosophical concept that posits that every proposition, whether it is true or false, has a determined truth value regardless of the context or the state of the world. In simpler terms, it suggests that if a statement about the future is true, then it must be true in a way that is independent of anyone's knowledge or beliefs about it. The notion is closely related to discussions in metaphysics, particularly in the context of free will and moral responsibility.

Lorenzo Valla's "Dialogue on Free Will" (often referred to as "De Voluntate") is a significant philosophical work where Valla engages with the concept of free will, a crucial topic in both philosophy and theology during the Renaissance. The dialogue is structured as a conversation among several characters who explore the nature of free will, its implications for moral responsibility, and its relationship to divine foreknowledge.

Mandated choice is a decision-making framework often used in policy and ethical contexts, particularly in areas like organ donation or healthcare. Under this system, individuals are required to make a choice between specific options, such as opting in or opting out of a program. The idea is to promote active decision-making rather than passive default settings.

Mutual liberty refers to the concept of freedom that is shared and respected among individuals within a society. This idea is often associated with the belief that true liberty is not just individual freedom but involves the recognition and support of others' freedoms as well. The notion implies that one's own liberty is interconnected with the liberties of others; that is, one's freedom should not infringe upon or harm the freedom of another.

The neuroscience of free will is an interdisciplinary field that explores the relationship between brain activity, decision-making, and the concept of free will. It examines how neural processes underpin our thoughts, intentions, and actions, raising questions about the extent to which our choices are consciously made and whether we truly have the freedom to exercise will.

"Ought implies can" is a philosophical principle often associated with moral responsibility and ethics. The idea is that if someone has a moral obligation (or "ought") to perform a certain action, then it must be possible for them to perform that action (the "can"). In other words, if it is morally obligatory for a person to do something, then they must have the ability or capacity to do it. This principle has implications in discussions about moral responsibility.

"Philosophical Inquiries into the Essence of Human Freedom" is a work by the German philosopher Karl Raimund Popper, who is known for his contributions to philosophy of science and political philosophy. The book deals with complex themes surrounding the nature of freedom, determinism, and the ethical implications of human agency. In this work, Popper often explores the relationship between freedom and scientific understanding, arguing against deterministic views of human behavior.

Predeterminism is the philosophical concept that all events, including human actions and decisions, are predetermined to happen and that free will is an illusion. According to this view, everything that occurs is the result of preceding causes and conditions, suggesting that the future is fixed and unchangeable based on prior states of the universe. Predeterminism is often associated with determinism, which posits that every event is necessitated by antecedent events and conditions along with the laws of nature.

The term "preference" can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Below are a few common interpretations: 1. **General Definition**: Preference refers to a greater liking for one alternative over others. It indicates a choice or inclination toward something. 2. **Psychology**: In psychology, preference denotes an individual's favored choice among various options, often related to behaviors, tastes, or attitudes.

Qadariyah, also spelled Qadaríyah or Qadarīyah, is an early Islamic theological movement that emerged in the 7th century. It is often associated with debates surrounding free will and divine predestination. The followers of Qadariyah believed in the concept of human free will, asserting that individuals have the capacity to make choices independently of divine predestination.

The Rubicon Model is a psychological framework developed by German psychologist Heinz Heckhausen and his collaborators. It focuses on the processes involved in decision-making and goal achievement, particularly the transition from motivation to action. The model distinguishes between different phases in this process, highlighting how individuals move from the stage of consideration to the execution of their goals.

Semicompatibilism is a philosophical position regarding the compatibility of free will and determinism. It is often associated with the work of philosophers like Harry Frankfurt. This view holds that even if determinism is true, certain types of free will—specifically, the freedom involved in moral responsibility—can still exist. In essence, semicompatibilism contends that the key issue is not whether our actions are determined, but whether we can be held morally responsible for those actions.

Svatantrya is a Sanskrit term that translates to "autonomy" or "self-determination." In various philosophical contexts, particularly in the traditions of Indian philosophy, Svatantrya can refer to the concept of self-governance, independence, or the inherent freedom of an individual to make choices.

"The Freedom of the Will" is often discussed in the context of philosophy, particularly in the areas of metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of mind. The term generally refers to the concept that individuals have the capacity to make choices and exercise control over their actions. This notion raises significant questions about determinism, free will, responsibility, and moral accountability.

The "value of control" is a concept that can apply to various fields, such as economics, finance, management, and behavioral science. Generally speaking, it refers to the benefits and advantages that come from having the ability to influence or direct processes, decisions, or outcomes.

Velleity is a term that refers to a weak or insignificant desire or inclination to do something. It reflects a state where a person has a wish or want, but lacks the motivation or commitment to act on it. The term is often used in philosophical discussions to describe the difference between wanting something and having the will or determination to pursue it. In essence, velleity represents a kind of fleeting or half-hearted desire that doesn't translate into action.

Voluntariness generally refers to the quality or state of being voluntary, meaning that an action is undertaken by a person based on their own free will or choice, rather than being coerced or compelled by external forces. The concept of voluntariness is significant in various fields, including: 1. **Philosophy**: In philosophical discussions, voluntariness is often linked to concepts of free will, moral responsibility, and autonomy.

Voluntarism, in the context of action and philosophy, refers to the doctrine that emphasizes the role of the will, or voluntary actions, in human behavior and decision-making. It is often contrasted with determinism, which posits that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events or natural laws.

Voluntarism, in philosophy, is a school of thought that emphasizes the role of the will, or volition, in human behavior, decision-making, and the nature of reality. The term can be understood in several contexts, including metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy. Here are some key aspects: 1. **Metaphysical Voluntarism**: This aspect posits that the will is a fundamental or primary force in the universe.

"Weltalter" is a German term that translates to "age of the world" or "world age." It is often used in philosophical, historical, or cosmological contexts to refer to the concept of time in relation to the universe or the history of the Earth. The term may encompass discussions about the origin, progression, and eventual fate of the universe, as well as the epochs of human civilization.