This paper addresses the question whether it is possible to make an argument in defense of the existence of free will on the basis of the indeterminism of the theory of quantum mechanics. To do so,...Show moreThis paper addresses the question whether it is possible to make an argument in defense of the existence of free will on the basis of the indeterminism of the theory of quantum mechanics. To do so, first the most basic approach is examined, attempting to formulate an argument for the possibility of free will on the basis of quantum mechanics and biology. After demonstrating the problems with this and showing that there is some unclarity regarding the relationship between determinism and free will, the paper turns to analyzing the concepts of determinism and free will and proposes that free will could best be understood as self-determination. This allows for the possibility of free will to be argued on the basis of Humean Supervenience. It is then argued that by way of the Copenhagen Interpretation, which is likened to phenomenology, quantum mechanics can make a case for this which is similar to the Best Systems Approach. After constructing an analysis of what the universe is on the basis of this way of thinking, and using the relation between a video game and a player as an analogy to explain how this affects the relationship between determinism and free will, the paper argues that free will can be completely compatible with being fully determined by the universe, but not with being determined by the rest of the universe. Finally, the paper proposes self-consciousness as an additional requirement for free will if it is to be understood as self-determination and thus concludes that free will is possible on the basis of quantum-mechanical thinking, but not quantum indeterminacy itself.Show less
The debate between Dreyfus and McDowell centers around the question of the status and the role of the non-conceptual and the conceptual in perceptual experience and agency. Dreyfus argues for the...Show moreThe debate between Dreyfus and McDowell centers around the question of the status and the role of the non-conceptual and the conceptual in perceptual experience and agency. Dreyfus argues for the acceptance of non-conceptual embodied coping as a necessary "ground floor" for conceptual knowledge, illustrated by his argument about expertise. His argumentationis build on the presumed authority of the method of existential phenomenology. McDowell makes clear that his argumentation for the pervasiveness of rational mindedness in experience and agency, as a transcendental argument, cannot be affected by the results of phenomenologic analysis. The epistemological characteristics of the method of existential phenomenology and of the method of transcendental argumentation are discussed and their role in the course of the debate is analyzed. The thesis is defended that explicit discussion of the validity and acceptability of these philosophical methods must have priority, when the debate is meant to be constructive.Show less
In deze these wordt de verhouding tussen verschillende takken van onderzoek onderzocht. Daarbij komt niet alleen de verhouding tussen verschillende vormen van wetenschappelijk onderzoek aan bod,...Show moreIn deze these wordt de verhouding tussen verschillende takken van onderzoek onderzocht. Daarbij komt niet alleen de verhouding tussen verschillende vormen van wetenschappelijk onderzoek aan bod, maar ook de verhouding tussen wetenschappelijk onderzoek in het algemeen en onderzoek zoals zich dat voltrekt in de kunsten. Aan de hand van Dewey en Heidegger wordt een begrip van de structuur van de onderzoeksactiviteit ontwikkelt. Deze dient als alternatief voor het gangbare begrip, waarmee een onderscheid gemaakt wordt tussen verschillende takken van onderzoek (het bekendste: het onderscheid geesteswetenschappelijk en natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek). Dat gangbare begrip van de structuur van onderzoek ontvangen we van Dilthey, het onderscheid volgt bij Dilthey uit een fundamenteel onderscheid dat hij maken moet (onder druk van Kant) tussen twee wijzen van ervaren. Het is de mogelijkheid om dit onderscheid te maken, tussen een "innerlijke" en een "uiterlijke" wijze van ervaren, die in deze these wordt geproblematiseerd.Show less
