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The Thomistic Institute

The Case for Free Will | Professor Matthew Dugandzic

Aug 16, 2023
Prof. Matthew Dugandzic explores the concept of free will, questioning if it is an illusion. He discusses the limitations of machines and argues that they cannot possess free will. The chapter also delves into the influence of mood on human behavior and the connection between freedom and knowledge. Additionally, it explores the concept of a perfect circle and its implications on our understanding of knowledge and reality. The chapter also discusses the concept of abstraction and how it allows the mind to derive universal ideas from specific characteristics. Lastly, it explores the relationship between predictability and free will.
42:34

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The existence of free will is evidenced by our power of choice and denying it would lead to nihilism.
  • Our minds are immaterial and can grasp universal concepts, allowing us to know and act on knowledge.

Deep dives

Understanding Free Will and the Power of Choice

Free will is the ability to make choices based on our knowledge. We have the power to understand, perceive, and act upon the things that attract us. Our choices are not predetermined, but rather a result of our own decision-making. This power of choice is evidence of free will, and denying its existence would undermine the trust in our basic intuitions and lead to nihilism.

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