Analysis of Human Freedom, Determinism, and Predictors

This essay delves into the multifaceted concept of human freedom, drawing from ancient Greek philosophical perspectives to define its different meanings, particularly political liberty and the ability to control one's actions. The essay then examines three primary philosophical positions on human freedom: compatibilism, libertarianism, and scepticism, elucidating their respective stances on the relationship between freedom of action and causal determinism. Compatibilism posits that free will and determinism can coexist, while libertarianism emphasizes individual choice and freedom of action, and scepticism questions the reliability of claims about free will. Finally, the essay explores the concept of a "Predictor," a device that purportedly influences human actions, and analyzes the varied reactions individuals have to this technology, highlighting the debate between predetermined actions and free will. The essay is supported by references to key texts, including works by Ted Chiang and Thomas Pink.

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Human Freedom
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Answer 1
Freedom is often defined as the power or the right available for a person to think, act or speak
his/her wants. Pink provided in this book titled as “The Free Will Problem” two different
meaning of freedom that has a link with philosophy given in ancient Greek. The first
definition of freedom is referred to “political liberty” which is available for a person; this
liberty is directly has a direct relationship with the state as well as the community in which
the person lives (Pink). On the other hand, the second meaning of freedom is referred to the
ability of a person to control his/her actions; it is referred to the control a person has on
his/her action. Similar views were also given in ancient Greek philosophies in which it is
referred as the freedom relating to the political liberty is focused on how the state take
measures in order to restrict particular activities or practices of its citizens. These restrictions
are imposed through legal coercion and laws. On the contrary, the action control meaning of
freedom does not have a link with the state. A person can be a free agent and has control over
his/her actions even when they are stranded in a desert island without any political
community. Similarly a person can enjoy political liberty without having control over his/her
actions.
Answer 2
There are three different positions when it comes to human freedom which includes
compatibilism, libertarianism, and scepticism. Libertarianism is referred to a collection of
political movements and philosophies that are focused on upholding freedom as a core
principle. This philosophy focuses on increasing political autonomy and freedom by
promoting individual judgement, freedom of choice and voluntary association (Broad). This
philosophy emphasises on freedom of action rather than casual determinism as a belief that
individuals have the option to exercise freedom while taking decisions.
Compatibilism is defined as a philosophy which provides that determinism and free will are
compatible with one another and both of them are logically inconsistent. As per this
philosophy, freedom can be available or absent in any situation based on reasons that did not
have anything to do with metaphysics which shows that this philosophy is based on casual
determinism rather than freedom of action. Scepticism is referred to a philosophy which is
used in order to define the attitude of individual for doubting claims that are already exist in

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different areas (T. Pink). This philosophy challenges reliability or adequacy of these claims
by using information from the facts that are already established. As per this philosophy, both
freedom of action and casual determinism exist depending upon the scenario in which the
power of free will can prevail or the law of nature can exist.
Answer 3
Predictor is refers to a concept which provides that there is no free will. As per this concept,
the actions are predetermined and individuals simply go with the flow. Chiang provided that
through predictor, a small handed device is able to flash light movements before the button is
pressed (Chiang). The key argument is that the light would not flash if one does not resort to
press the button. However, the light compels an individual to press the button based on which
it knows the will of a person. Predictor sends signals in the past to determine whether a
person will press the button or not. Some people react positively to predictor by becoming
satisfied that all their actions are planned and they have a particular meaning. On the other
hand, some people react negatively by arguing that they have a free will that cannot be
predicted or influenced by predictors.

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Works Cited
Broad, Charlie Dunbar. Determinism, indeterminism, and libertarianism. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 2016.
Chiang, Ted. “What's expected of us.” Nature 436.150 (2005).
Pink, T. “Power, scepticism and ethical theory.” Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplements
76 (2015): 225-251.
Pink, Thomas. Free Will: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.