The question of free will- what it is, if it can exist, and if humans have it- has always sparked debate from philosophers and theologians; advances in cognitive science have served to sharpen the conversation. There are a number of common core arguments about the nature or existence of free will, and this volume takes an interactive look at the debate between four representative views. The first half of the book contains each philosopher's explanation of his particular view; the second half allows them to directly respond to each other's arguments, in a lively and engaging conversation. Focusing on the concepts and interactions of free will, moral responsibility, and determinism, this text represents the most up-to-date account of the major positions in the free will debate. The book takes up the opposing viewpoints of libertarianism, defended by Robert Kane; compatibilism, defended by John Martin Fischer; hard incompatibilism, defended by Manuel Vargas; and revisionism, defended by Derk Pereboom. Original and compelling, Four Views on Free Will offers a balanced and enlightening discussion on all of the critical concepts and conflicts in the free will debate.
?This book presents four recent positions on free will in a clearand accessible way, along with their authors' responses to eachother's position.? ( Metaphilosophy , January 2009)
"There is no better introduction to the debate available. Thisis a book that will be read with profit by anyone who opens it,specialist or newcomer." Neil Levy, Metapsychology OnlineReviews
"Four Views on Free Will is an excellent introduction tothe current debate regarding one of the most seductive of theperennial topics in philosophy. It is an especially welcomeaddition to Blackwell's "Great Debates in Philosophy" series. Thegoal is the presentation of a considerably more dialogical andengaging introduction to the main issues in an important domain ofphilosophical inquiry than can typically be achieved in a standardmonograph. Four Views succeeds admirably in achieving thisworthwhile goal." Daniel Speak, Notre Dame PhilosophicalReviews
"This gem of a book provides a wonderfully accessibleintroduction to the free will debate by leading proponents of fourmajor views, as well as a front row seat to a dynamic, up-to-theminute philosophical conversation."
Dana Nelkin, University of California at San Diego
"This four-way debate is a fine addition to the Great Debates inPhilosophy series. Four Views on Free Will is ideal for advancedundergraduate courses on free will."
Alfred R. Mele, Florida State University
?The four main essays are clearly written and argued, and theshorter articles are very useful as illustrations of howphilosophers debate. Highly recommended.?
Choice Reviews
"There is no better introduction to the debate available. Thisis a book that will be read with profit by anyone who opens it,specialist or newcomer." Neil Levy, Metapsychology OnlineReviews
"Four Views on Free Will is an excellent introduction tothe current debate regarding one of the most seductive of theperennial topics in philosophy. It is an especially welcomeaddition to Blackwell's "Great Debates in Philosophy" series. Thegoal is the presentation of a considerably more dialogical andengaging introduction to the main issues in an important domain ofphilosophical inquiry than can typically be achieved in a standardmonograph. Four Views succeeds admirably in achieving thisworthwhile goal." Daniel Speak, Notre Dame PhilosophicalReviews
"This gem of a book provides a wonderfully accessibleintroduction to the free will debate by leading proponents of fourmajor views, as well as a front row seat to a dynamic, up-to-theminute philosophical conversation."
Dana Nelkin, University of California at San Diego
"This four-way debate is a fine addition to the Great Debates inPhilosophy series. Four Views on Free Will is ideal for advancedundergraduate courses on free will."
Alfred R. Mele, Florida State University
?The four main essays are clearly written and argued, and theshorter articles are very useful as illustrations of howphilosophers debate. Highly recommended.?
Choice Reviews
