The Free Will Show Episode 91: Agency Incompatibilism with Helen Steward
Jan 13, 2025
Helen Steward, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Leeds and author of 'A Metaphysics for Freedom,' explores the intriguing conflict between agency and determinism. She argues that true agency itself cannot coexist with determinism, discussing self-moving animals like jumping spiders to illustrate sophisticated nonhuman agency. Helen challenges traditional views on agent-causation, critiques formal consequence arguments, and defends libertarian agency against the luck objection, offering a refreshing take on free will.
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Agency Incompatibilism Defined
- Agency incompatibilism claims determinism conflicts with agency itself, not just free action.
- Helen Steward grounds this in a metaphysics of self-moving animals and their executive powers.
What Counts As A Self-Moving Animal
- A self-moving animal has a subjective point of view and the capacity to move its own body.
- Steward uses this concept to draw a boundary between mere living things and genuine agents.
Jumping Spider That Plans A Hunt
- Steward recounts the Australian jumping spider that plans and travels out of sight to capture prey.
- She uses this example to argue spiders display sophisticated, planful agency.
