Free Will Denialism as a Dangerous Gamble Cover Image

Free Will Denialism as a Dangerous Gamble
Free Will Denialism as a Dangerous Gamble

Author(s): Saul Smilansky
Subject(s): Criminal Law, Penology, Sociology of Law
Published by: Instytut Filozofii Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: free will; moral responsibility; denialism; punishment; illusionism;

Summary/Abstract: Denialism concerning free will and moral responsibility combines, in its minimal form, the rejection of libertarian free will and the rejection of compatibilism. I will address the more ambitio- usly “happy” or “optimistic” version of denialism, which also claims that we are better off without belief in free will and moral responsibility, and ought to try to radically reform our moral, social and personal lives without such beliefs. I argue that such denialism involves, for various reasons, a dangerous gamble, which it would be morally irresponsible to follow. I conclude by reflecting upon the implications.

  • Issue Year: 21/2024
  • Issue No: 79
  • Page Range: 119-131
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English
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