Final answer:
Taylor's theory of agency suggests that while events have causes, some actions are initiated by the agent and are considered free. However, this conflicts with the belief in free will, as it implies that our actions are ultimately determined by external causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Taylor's theory of agency states that while all events have causes, some actions are initiated by the agent and are considered free. Free actions are not determined by preceding conditions but are caused by the agent's own performance. However, this theory conflicts with the belief in free will, as it suggests that our actions are ultimately determined by external causes.
The conflict between the belief in causation and free will arises from the idea that if every event has a cause, then our actions are also caused by preceding events, leaving no room for true free will. If everything is determined by external causes, then we cannot truly be held responsible for our behavior, as we could not have acted otherwise.
While the presence of evil in the world suggests that we have free will, the idea of a first mover or an all-powerful divine being challenges the notion of free will in the material world. Our sensation of freedom does not necessarily demonstrate the presence of true free will.