Ep. 245 - Flickers of Freedom Don't Save Us from Frankfurt Cases w/Dr. Taylor Cyr
Aug 21, 2023
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Taylor Cyr, a contributor to the Free Will Show, unpacks the philosophical intricacies of free will and moral responsibility. He critiques 'flickers of freedom' theories and their connection to Frankfurt cases, exploring how coercive influences shape our understanding of blame and agency. Cyr highlights the tension between determinism and alternative possibilities, while also diving into the implications of philosophical perspectives like divine determinism and Molinism. It's a thought-provoking journey into the heart of moral agency!
The podcast clarifies the distinction between sourcehood and leeway theories in understanding free will and moral responsibility.
Frankfurt cases challenge the principle of alternative possibilities, prompting deep engagement with the nature of moral agency.
The concept of 'flickers of freedom' suggests diminished alternatives still exist that can influence moral responsibility despite coercive elements.
The ongoing discourse highlights epistemic conditions impacting moral accountability, particularly how awareness of influences shapes an individual’s choices.
Deep dives
Introduction to Free Will and Responsibility
Free will and moral responsibility are central themes in philosophical discourse, particularly as explored by experts like Dr. Taylor Seer. The distinction between sourcehood and leeway theories is essential, where leeway involves the capacity to act otherwise, and sourcehood relates to the origin of one's actions. The podcast highlights how historical shifts in philosophical thought, particularly since Frankfurt’s contributions, have influenced contemporary discussions. The engaging dialogue emphasizes the complexity of free will, encouraging listeners to reflect on their understanding of moral agency.
Understanding Frankfurt Cases
Frankfurt cases provide intriguing thought experiments that challenge the principle of alternative possibilities (PAP), which asserts that moral responsibility requires the ability to have acted otherwise. In the typical scenario, a character like Jones is presented with a decision where an external force could intervene, raising questions about true agency. The podcast delves into specific examples, illustrating how these cases reveal nuances in the debate about free will. By analyzing examples like the 'assassin case,' the discussion navigates the implications of coercion on moral accountability.
Flickers of Freedom and Their Significance
The concept of 'flickers of freedom' emerges as a response to Frankfurt cases, suggesting that even if an agent could not have acted otherwise, there remains a flicker of an alternative that preserves moral responsibility. Flickers posit that alternative possibilities, while diminished, still exist in some format, hinting at unforeseen pathways enabling moral agency. This exploration opens discussions on whether Jones’s ability to decide can coexist with coercive influences from external devices. The notion emphasizes how subtle distinctions in agency and choice impact debates on free will.
Sourcehood vs. Leeway Theories
The podcast juxtaposes sourcehood and leeway theories in the context of free will, emphasizing that sourcehood concerns the origins of an agent's actions rather than merely the availability of alternatives. Listeners are encouraged to consider how moral responsibility can be assessed without relying solely on the capacity to choose differently. The discussion also traces how various philosophers, including John Martin Fischer, argue for and against these theories, framing a rich backdrop of ongoing discourse. This perspective reinforces the complexity inherent in defining what it means to be free and morally accountable.
Robustness Requirement in Free Will Discussions
The robustness requirement, proposed by Fischer, asserts that for an agent to be morally responsible, the alternative possibilities must meaningfully contribute to their actual responsibility. This leads to questioning whether mere flickers of freedom can stand as a sufficient alternative to satisfy this requirement. The podcast highlights how various theorists attempt to address or counter this condition, showcasing the ongoing evolution in philosophical thought around free will. The dialogue emphasizes the need for substantial alternatives that genuinely reflect an agent's control over their decisions.
Epistemic Conditions and Moral Emotions
The conversation elaborates on the epistemic conditions related to moral responsibility, particularly how an agent's awareness or ignorance of their circumstances affects accountability. By analyzing scenarios where individuals may unknowingly be influenced by external agents or devices, the podcast questions the true nature of their choices. The discussion touches on how emotions and moral judgment play a critical role in assessing responsibility, even in convoluted situations. This reflection encourages listeners to consider how knowledge and belief impact moral decisions.
Contemporary Applications and Philosophical Connections
Practical implications of free will theories extend to contemporary ethical discussions, including the intersection of law and moral responsibility. The podcast suggests that understanding these philosophical debates is crucial for addressing real-world dilemmas, elucidating how legal systems hold individuals accountable. The reflections on characters like Jones in hypothetical situations illustrate broader themes in legal philosophy and ethics. By fostering this connection, the podcast encourages listeners to critically engage with the relevance of these theories in their lives.
In episode 245 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined once again by Dr. Taylor Cyr of the Free Will Show. This time we discuss Frankfurt style cases in the free will and moral responsibility literature and discuss Taylor's paper against several "flickers of freedom" theorists who want to save the principle of alternate possibilities from Frankfurt via flickers of freedom. Just watch the video, Taylor will explain it all! Check the time stamps for the full topic list.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA/join
Join the Facebook group, Parker's Pensées Penseurs, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/960471494536285/
If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_pensees
If you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal:
https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US
Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch
Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspensees
Sub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/
Check out my blog posts: https://parkersettecase.com/
Check out my Parker's Pensées YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA
Check out my other YouTube channel on my frogs and turtles: https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerSettecase
Check me out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/trendsettercase
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkerspensees/
0:00 - Where did Frankfurt Style Cases Come From?
9:14 - Moral Responsibility, Free Will, and Determinism
15:00 - The Rollback Argument vs. the Consequence Argument
17:34 - Leeway vs. Sourcehood theories of free will
20:41 - a shakey argument against mind-brain identity theory?
25:22 - How much new work is there in Frankfurt cases?
30:40 - What are Frankfurt Style Cases?? (Assassin)
37:13 - asymmetry between praise and blame?
40:07 - What are "Flickers of Freedom"?
51:28 - the robustness requirement for flickers of freedom views
1:05:36 - Swenson and Capes fine-grained flickers view
1:15:23 - What if you're aware of the details of the Frankfurt case you're in?
1:18:00 - Constitutive Moral Luck and brain chips
1:22:04 - Drugs, apps, and moral character
1:26:40 - Is the Holy Spirit responsible for your sanctification?
1:31:22 - why flicker folks aren't successful
1:33:46 - what exactly is sourcehood libertarianism???
1:36:30 - Molinism
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
