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Cogs In A Cosmic Machine: A Defense Of Free Will Skepticism And Its Ethical Implications, Sacha Greer
Cogs In A Cosmic Machine: A Defense Of Free Will Skepticism And Its Ethical Implications, Sacha Greer
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Free will skepticism denies that humans possess the type of freedom required for moral responsibility (FMR). While not the most popular position in scientific, philosophical, or mainstream communities, I contend that this lack of acceptance is due not to flaws inherent in the position, but to misconceptions concerning its ethical and practical implications. In my dissertation, I endorse free will skepticism, beginning with a refutation of contrary positions, followed by a response to objections, and ending with a defense of social reforms necessitated by the denial of free will. Ultimately, I support Derk Pereboom's optimism that a global acceptance of …