Final answer:
Philosophers have discussed the implications of a society that does not believe in free will, questioning moral responsibility and accountability. Some argue that without free will, individuals would not be responsible for their actions, challenging the concept of punishment. However, society may still pretend to have free will as a necessary social construct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Philosophers have discussed the implications of a society that does not believe in free will. One perspective is that without free will, individuals would not be morally responsible for their actions. This raises questions about accountability and the concept of responsibility.
For example, if someone commits a crime due to factors beyond their control, such as genetic predisposition or environmental influences, it may be argued that they are not responsible for their actions. This challenges the idea of punishment and rehabilitation.
However, some philosophers argue that even without the belief in free will, society may still pretend to have free will as a necessary social construct. This stems from the idea that society functions better when individuals believe they are responsible for their actions.