Rationality + Consciousness = Free Will

INTRODUCTION The problem of free will and responsibility Compatibilism Haldane's argument How I will proceed 1. FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS Can I be certain that I exist? The need for language Experiences and the external world Foundational beliefs 2. TRUTH AND RATIONALITY Truth Relativity of truth? Rationality Fallacies and biases Stich's argument A legal example Core assertions about truth and rationality 3. PLAUSIBLE REASONING Formal and informal reasoning Induction Bayes' theorem Illustration of Bayes' theorem Levels of cognitive processes Core assertions about plausible reasoning 4. CONSCIOUSNESS AND DECISION-MAKING Dual aspects Characteristic features of conscious experiences Subjectivity Qualia and unity Neural correlates of consciousness The efficacy of conscious experiences Three questions Rule-determined processes do not need consciousness Core assertions about consciousness and decision-making 5. GESTALTS AND RULES The argument outlined Laws and rules The Game of Life and computation Tricks of consciousness Some further thoughts Core assertions about gestalts and rules 6. HOW GESTALTS PROMOTE RATIONALITY Evolutionary origins Aesthetic judgments Plausible reasoning Conclusion Core assertions about how gestalts promote rationality 7. SCIENCE AND DETERMINISM A lawful universe Quantum mechanics The free will theorem Explanation of the theorem Implications Time and the block universe Core assertions about science and determinism 8. NEUROSCIENCE AND CONSCIOUS CHOICE Science and the brain A general picture The Cartesian theatre The scale and nature of quantum effects Libet, Gazzaniga and Wegner Core assertions about neuroscience and conscious choice 9. INDETERMINISTIC FREE WILL Will and responsibility Comparison with Kane Agent-causation Compatibilism Assessment of compatibilism Does luck swallow everything? More about luck Core assertions about indeterministic free will 10. VALUE JUDGMENTS A different philosophical approach Natural imperatives Absolute imperatives Prima facie imperatives No reasonable irreconcilable differences Why be moral? Good, evil and beauty Community practices and laws Legal systems Capacity for reasonable value judgments Core assertions about value judgments 11. RESPONSIBILITY AND RETRIBUTION Responses to wrong conduct Overview Australian criminal law Retribution as a restriction on State compulsion Why retribution should be maintained Philosophical bases for retribution The future of retribution Core assertions about responsibility and retribution 12. THE BIG PICTURE The scientific account An experienced universe Constraint, empowerment and guidance Religious belief: a subject for rational enquiry A value-embedded universe Where do we come from? Where are we going? Can more specific beliefs be supported? Potential for evil and good Core assertions about the big picture APPENDIX A WHY BAYES' THEOREM WORKS APPENDIX B AGAINST FUNDAMENTALISM: BIBLICAL MORALITY Abraham and Isaac The Passover The Promised Land The New Testament REFERENCES