The Thomistic Institute
Do We Have Free Will? | Fr. Stephen Brock
Jul 3, 2024
Fr. Stephen Brock, an expert in Medieval Philosophy, discusses the concept of free will, critiquing experiments on determinism, exploring external influences on choices, and delving into St. Thomas' views on moral decision-making. The podcast also examines the complexity of free will in choosing between good and evil, even in a sinless environment like heaven.
42:03
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Quick takeaways
- Critics of free will inadvertently assume its presence, showing its practical undeniable nature.
- Aquinas views happiness as an intrinsic desire that guides decisions, emphasizing reasoned evaluations over arbitrary choices.
Deep dives
Freedom of Will: An Inherent Reality
The podcast delves into the topic of free will, emphasizing that the existence of free will doesn't require direct proof. It is considered too obvious to be questioned practically. Even critics of free will inadvertently assume its presence during their arguments. Sam Harris, a prominent author, argues against free will to alleviate blame, proposing that absence of free will removes culpability. However, denying free will eliminates not only accountability for negative actions but also for positive deeds, potentially hindering the prospect of genuine friendships.
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