FREE WILL AS A SKILL. Issue 39 (12th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Riser, John
• Is Part Of: Think. Volume 14:Issue 39(2015)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2014-12-12
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1017/S1477175614000256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-1756

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>This article develops a conception of free will as a type of skill based upon the knowledgeable exercise of cognitive abilities. Critiques of some traditional accounts of free will are advanced; and a view is proposed in which acts of free will are those purposively controlled (caused) by acquired information and the learned 'know-how' of deliberation. What makes an act of will free is not that one theoretically could have done otherwise under the specific circumstances, but that one does <italic>in fact</italic> do otherwise than act in an uninformed, unreflective and thoughtless manner. Implications for moral responsibility are examined.</p> </abstract>