Determinism or freedom by Robert Spaemann Cover Image

Determinizm czy wolność w ujęciu Roberta Spaemanna
Determinism or freedom by Robert Spaemann

Author(s): Józef Kożuchowski
Subject(s): Philosophy, Metaphysics
Published by: Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne Diecezji Elbląskiej w Elblągu
Keywords: Robert Spaemann; German philosophy; determinism; freedom of the will; theories brain researchers

Summary/Abstract: From the article we learn how timely and significant are the deliberations, especially on the freedom of human will, of one of the most prominent living German philosophers R. Spaemann. He presents his attitude in the dispute with the representatives of modern materialistic determinism, brain scientists and neurophilosophers. For these intelectuals our decisive acts are nothing more than states of the brain. These acts may come to life by the power of neural processes, not by the power of reasons (motives) initiated by us, as Spaemann convincingly shows. From the main and largest part of the article we learn why thedeterministic vision is not acceptable. Now it leads itself to absurd because of contradictions and mistakes in its assumptions (petitio principii, regressus ad infinitum) and (openly declared) proclaimed dogmatism. Moreover, it is contrary to experience, facts, practice of life, commonly accepted opinions on freedom. The famous Dennett’s experiment, which was supposed to give an argument against the classic thesis on our free will, in reality did not showany connection with our decisive acts.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 15
  • Page Range: 393-403
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Polish
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