Description
These are just some of the questions considered by Joseph Keim Campbell in this lively and accessible introduction to the concept of free will. Using a range of engaging examples the book introduces the problems, arguments, and theories surrounding free will. Beginning with a discussion of fatalism and causal determinism, the book goes on to focus on the metaphysics of moral responsibility, free will skepticism, and skepticism about moral responsibility. Campbell shows that no matter how we look at it, free will is problematic. Thankfully there are a plethora of solutions on offer and the best of these are considered in full in the final chapter on contemporary theories of free will. This includes a rigorous account of libertarianism, compatabilism, and naturalism.
Free Will is the ideal introduction to the topic and will be a valuable resource for scholars and students seeking to understand the importance and relevance of the concept for contemporary philosophy.
About the Author
Joseph Keim Campbell is Assitant Professor of Philosophy at Washington State University.
Reviews
"Not only a thorough introduction to the topic, but also an excellent source of references and perspectives for further research."
Ethical Perspectives
"A well-written work which offers a real contribution to contemporary philosophy."
Political Studies Review
"Enormous ground is covered in this quite slim volume and there is much to cogitate on: it is fascinating entree in to this extremely relevant and contemporary area of philosophy."
LSE Politics Blog
"Thoroughly researched and includes a lengthy bibliography and a list of good movies - recommended."
Choice
"Campbell's Free Will is remarkable: it is an efficient but impressively thorough treatment of the rich collection of issues that arise in contemporary philosophical work on free will."
Manuel Vargas, University of San Francisco
"This is an excellent book. It is a very comprehensive - and yet highly accessible - overview of the contemporary literature on free will. Reading this work would be an ideal way of getting up to speed on this lively and exciting sub-field of philosophy. Joseph Campbell knows his stuff, and he is an outstanding guide to the debates about free will that engage so many contemporary philosophers. Highly recommended."
John Fischer, University of California, Riverside
"An informed and engaging introduction to the free will problem which explains some of the more complex and important current debates about free will in clear and understandable terms without sacrificing rigor of argument."
Robert Kane, University of Texas at Austin
Book Information
ISBN 9780745646671
Author Joseph Keim Campbell
Format Paperback
Page Count 136
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 181g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 12mm
