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Just Deserts
200 pages, 2021
philosophy
711 booksDaniel C. Dennett and Gregg D. Caruso debate the question of whether we have free will, and if so, whether that free will is compatible with determinism. In three extended conversations, Dennett and Caruso present their arguments for and against the existence of a free will and debate their implications.
Dennett argues that the kind of free will required for moral responsibility is compatible with determinism—for him, self-control is key; we are not responsible for becoming responsible but are responsible for staying responsible, for keeping would-be puppeteers at bay. Caruso takes the opposite view—that who we are and what we do is ultimately the result of factors beyond our control, and because of this, we are never morally responsible for our actions in the sense that would make us truly deserving of blame or praise or punishment.
Just Deserts is a lively and rigorous introduction to the central concepts in the debate about free will and moral responsibility.
In Just Deserts, Daniel C. Dennett explores the concept of free will. He challenges the traditional view and suggests that our actions are not just the result of our conscious decisions, but also influenced by our subconscious mind. This is a great read if you're interested in digging deeper into the complexities of human behavior.
Dennett takes a look at how evolution plays a role in our decision-making process. He suggests that our choices are not just influenced by our current circumstances, but also by our evolutionary past. This perspective can help you see your own decisions in a new light.
One of the key points in Just Deserts is the idea of moral responsibility. Dennett argues that even though our actions may be influenced by factors beyond our control, we are still morally responsible for them. This can be a challenging concept to grasp, but it's definitely worth exploring.
In his book, Dennett researches the impact of determinism on our lives. He suggests that even if our actions are predetermined, it doesn't mean we can't change our future. This is a powerful message for anyone who feels stuck in their current situation.
Just Deserts encourages readers to reflect on their own actions and decisions. By understanding the factors that influence our behavior, we can make better choices in the future. So, if you're looking to gain more control over your life, you might want to check out this book.