Neurophilosophy of Free Will

by Henrik Walter

2009 · MIT Press

Walter applies the methodology of neurophilosophy to one of philosophy's central challenges, the notion of free will. Neurophilosophical conclusions are based on, and consistent with, scientific knowledge about the brain and its functioning. Neuroscientists routinely investigate such classical philosophical topics as consciousness, thought, language, meaning, aesthetics, and death. According to Henrik Walter, philosophers should in turn embrace the wealth of research findings and ideas provided by neuroscience. In this book Walter applies the methodology of neurophilosophy to one of philosophy's central challenges, the notion of free will. Neurophilosophical conclusions are based on, and consistent with, scientific knowledge about the brain and its functioning. Walter's answer to whether there is free will is, It depends. The basic questions concerning free will are (1) whether we are able to choose other than we actually do, (2) whether our choices are made intelligibly, and (3) whether we are really the originators of our choices. According to Walter, freedom of will is an illusion if we mean by it that under identical conditions we would be able to do or decide otherwise, while simultaneously acting only for reasons and being the true originators of our actions. In place of this scientifically untenable strong version of free will, Walter offers what he calls natural autonomy—self-determination unaided by supernatural powers that could exist even in an entirely determined universe. Although natural autonomy can support neither our traditional concept of guilt nor certain cherished illusions about ourselves, it does not imply the abandonment of all concepts of responsibility. For we are not mere marionettes, with no influence over our thoughts or actions.

An Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems

by Walter Greenwood Beach

1925 · Literary Licensing, LLC

""An Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems"" by Walter Greenwood Beach is a comprehensive textbook that provides an overview of the field of sociology and its relevance to understanding and addressing social problems. The book covers a range of topics, including the history of sociology, social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social institutions, and globalization. It also examines various social problems, such as poverty, crime, environmental degradation, and health disparities, and analyzes the ways in which these issues are shaped by social structures and cultural norms. The book is designed to be accessible to students with little or no prior knowledge of sociology, and includes numerous examples, case studies, and discussion questions to facilitate learning and engagement. Overall, ""An Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems"" is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of contemporary society and the challenges facing individuals and communities around the world.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.