Freedom and Self-Creation

Anselmian Libertarianism

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, History, Criticism, & Surveys, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Freedom and Self-Creation by Katherin A. Rogers, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Katherin A. Rogers ISBN: 9780191061547
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: October 1, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Katherin A. Rogers
ISBN: 9780191061547
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: October 1, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Katherin A. Rogers presents a new theory of free will, based on the thought of Anselm of Canterbury. We did not originally produce ourselves. Yet, according to Anselm, we can engage in self-creation, freely and responsibly forming our characters by choosing 'from ourselves' (a se) between open options. Anselm introduces a new, agent-causal libertarianism which is parsimonious in that, unlike other agent-causal theories, it does not appeal to any unique and mysterious powers to explain how the free agent chooses. After setting out Anselm's original theory, Rogers defends and develops it by addressing a series of standard problems levelled against libertarianism. These include the problem of 'internalism—in that an agent is not the source of his original motivations, how can the structure of his choice ground his responsibility?; the problem of Frankfurt-style counterexamples—Do we really need open options to choose freely?; and the problem of luck—If nothing about an agent before he chooses explains his choice, then isn't the choice just dumb luck? (The Anselmian answer to this perennial criticism is especially innovative, proposing that the critic has the relationship between choices and character exactly backwards.) Finally, as a theory about self-creation, Anselmian Libertarianism must defend the tracing thesis, the claim that an agent can be responsible for character-determined choices, if he, himself, formed his character through earlier a se choices. Throughout, the book defends and exemplifies a new methodological suggestion: someone debating free will ought to make his background world view explicit. In the on-going debate over the possibility of human freedom and responsibility, Anselmian Libertarianism constitutes a new and plausible approach.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Katherin A. Rogers presents a new theory of free will, based on the thought of Anselm of Canterbury. We did not originally produce ourselves. Yet, according to Anselm, we can engage in self-creation, freely and responsibly forming our characters by choosing 'from ourselves' (a se) between open options. Anselm introduces a new, agent-causal libertarianism which is parsimonious in that, unlike other agent-causal theories, it does not appeal to any unique and mysterious powers to explain how the free agent chooses. After setting out Anselm's original theory, Rogers defends and develops it by addressing a series of standard problems levelled against libertarianism. These include the problem of 'internalism—in that an agent is not the source of his original motivations, how can the structure of his choice ground his responsibility?; the problem of Frankfurt-style counterexamples—Do we really need open options to choose freely?; and the problem of luck—If nothing about an agent before he chooses explains his choice, then isn't the choice just dumb luck? (The Anselmian answer to this perennial criticism is especially innovative, proposing that the critic has the relationship between choices and character exactly backwards.) Finally, as a theory about self-creation, Anselmian Libertarianism must defend the tracing thesis, the claim that an agent can be responsible for character-determined choices, if he, himself, formed his character through earlier a se choices. Throughout, the book defends and exemplifies a new methodological suggestion: someone debating free will ought to make his background world view explicit. In the on-going debate over the possibility of human freedom and responsibility, Anselmian Libertarianism constitutes a new and plausible approach.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Cold Case Reviews by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Philosophical Foundations of Constitutional Law by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book The Wireless Past by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book EU Energy Law and Policy by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Materials: A Very Short Introduction by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Oxford Textbook of Musculoskeletal Medicine by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book The Structure of Liberty by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Global Health Justice and Governance by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Personal Property Law by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book The Many Moral Rationalisms by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Profits and Sustainability by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Adult Nursing Practice by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book The Law of Nature Conservation by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Pre-Hospital Care by Katherin A. Rogers
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Human Capital by Katherin A. Rogers
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy