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Flip to reveal answersWhat does 'free will' mean?
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All 11 Flashcards — Free will — do we really choose?
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Question
What does 'free will' mean?
Answer
The genuine power to have done otherwise, with you as the source of the choice.
Question
The 'could have done otherwise' test?
Answer
Rewind to the moment of choice — was another option really open? If yes, the choice was free.
Question
Why isn't 'doing what you want' free will?
Answer
A drugged or manipulated person gets what they want without a real choice being open.
Question
The feeling vs the fact of freedom?
Answer
Choosing feels open (the feeling); whether it really was open is a separate question (the fact).
Question
Why does free will matter?
Answer
Praise, blame, regret and responsibility all assume you could have chosen differently.
Question
Free will and moral responsibility?
Answer
If no one could ever have done otherwise, holding people responsible looks unfair and needs rethinking.
Question
The puppet objection?
Answer
A feeling of freedom isn't proof — a puppet who couldn't feel its strings would still feel free.
Question
Where does the freedom topic begin?
Answer
With the everyday feeling that a choice (like picking off a menu) is genuinely up to you.
Question
Epictetus / Stoic inner freedom?
Answer
Real freedom is mastery over your own responses, not control of events — a prisoner can be free.
Question
Outer vs inner freedom?
Answer
Outer: were my choices uncaused? Inner: am I master of my responses? Two different questions.
Question
How do you reach the top band in Section A?
Answer
Weigh competing views on the evidence and reach a reasoned conclusion — don't just describe.
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Full study notes for Free will — do we really choose?
Topic 1.6 hub
Freedom
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