If determinism is true, then we have free will

If we suppose determinism is true, then you just are the sum total of a whole bunch of prior causes: all the genetic and environmental factors that caused you to have certain beliefs, values, desires, and so on. So if you choose, we cannot suppose that these force you to choose.

I believe you've presupposed that we've already made a choice, and that therefore we have free will. You have to prove the individual made a choice first, and then you can derive wherever that choice came from.

Speaking of Compatibility though:

The argument I'm about to make is complete scientific quackery, but I believe it makes sense. From an empirical standpoint, if we assume Free Will exists, then we can also assume there's a part of the brain that's responsible for Free Will. The Free Will part of the brain sends an electrical signal to the motor complex, which then moves your arm. In your example, you can be Compatible because if someone shocked your motor cortex, you would be aware that you didn't control it. What would happen if someone shocked the Free Will part of your brain? Could you still be a Compatibilist?

I think the easiest argument against what I just said is "the brain doesn't work like that." But I believe anyone, who's not a Dualist, that asserts Free Will can arise from something physical has to admit that there's a portion of the brain responsible for Free Will.

/r/philosophy Thread