The Free Will Show Episode 30: Free Will as a Higher-Level Phenomenon with Christian List
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Dec 13, 2021 
Christian List, a philosopher and decision theory expert from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, delves into the intriguing world of free will. He discusses how free will might coexist with physical determinism by positioning it as a higher-level phenomenon. List offers insights on intentional agency and alternative possibilities, while tackling scientific challenges like radical materialism. He also introduces concepts like compatibilist libertarianism and addresses the luck objection, ultimately suggesting fruitful avenues for future research in free will.
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From Rural Germany To Free Will Research
- Christian List grew up in rural Germany and studied mathematics and philosophy at Oxford before moving into political science.
- His work on social choice and decision-making led him back into philosophy and motivated his interest in free will.
Three-Part Definition Of Free Will
- Christian List defines free will as intentional agency, alternative possibilities, and causal control.
- He treats alternative possibilities as essential, siding with libertarians over many compatibilists.
Free Will Is A Higher-Level Phenomenon
- Different sciences use level-specific concepts, from physics to psychology, reflecting a leveled ontology.
- Free will pertains to the higher psychological level where intentional explanations apply, not fundamental physics.
