Just Deserts: Debating Free Will

The concept of free will is essential to our self-understanding, interpersonal relationships, and moral and legal practices. "Just Deserts" brings together two philosophers to debate their respective views on free will, moral responsibility, and legal punishment. Daniel C. Dennett argues that the kind of free will required for moral responsibility is compatible with determinism, while Gregg D. Caruso argues that who we are and what we do is ultimately the result of factors beyond our control, making us never morally responsible for our actions.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 200 pages
\n Publication date: 22 January 2021
\n Publisher: Polity Press
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The concept of free will is of utmost importance to our self-understanding, interpersonal relationships, and moral and legal practices. It shapes our beliefs about what we are capable of, what we deserve, and how we should interact with others. If it were to be proven that no one ever had free will and was morally responsible for their actions, it would have profound implications for society, morality, meaning, and the law.

In the film "Just Deserts," two philosophers, Daniel C. Dennett and Gregg D. Caruso, engage in a lively debate about free will, moral responsibility, and legal punishment. Through three extended conversations, they present their arguments for and against the existence of free will and explore their implications.

Dennett, a renowned philosopher known for his deterministic view of free will, argues that the kind of free will required for moral responsibility is compatible with determinism. He believes that self-control is key, and we are not responsible for becoming responsible, but for staying responsible and keeping would-be puppeteers at bay. Dennett suggests that our actions are ultimately the result of factors beyond our control, but we can still exercise self-control and make choices that align with our values.

On the other hand, Caruso takes a contrasting view. He argues that who we are and what we do is ultimately the result of factors beyond our control, including genetics, upbringing, and environmental influences. Because of this, Caruso believes that we are never morally responsible for our actions in the sense that would make us truly deserving of blame and praise, punishment and reward. He suggests that our actions are predetermined by our circumstances, and we are merely acting out the roles that we have been assigned.

The film "Just Deserts" serves as a valuable introduction to the concepts central to the debate about free will and moral responsibility. Through an entertaining, rigorous, and sometimes heated philosophical dialogue between two leading thinkers, the film provides a deeper understanding of these complex issues. It challenges viewers to consider their own beliefs about free will and moral responsibility and encourages them to engage in thoughtful discussions about these important topics.

In conclusion, the concept of free will is profoundly important to our self-understanding, interpersonal relationships, and moral and legal practices. The debate about free will and moral responsibility is ongoing, and films like "Just Deserts" can help us to explore these issues in a deeper and more meaningful way. By challenging our beliefs and encouraging us to think critically, films like "Just Deserts" can contribute to a more informed and ethical society.

\n Weight: 316g\n
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781509545766\n \n