Final answer:
Daniel Dennett defines free will as an equation of state within the context of determinism. He argues that even though human actions may be determined by internal states, this does not negate the existence of free will.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Daniel Dennett, free will can be understood as an equation of state in the context of determinism. Determinism is the belief that all events, including human actions, are causally determined by previous events and the laws of nature. Dennett argues that even though human actions may be determined by internal states, such as desires and beliefs, this does not undermine the existence of free will. He believes that free will can be compatible with determinism if we redefine our understanding of what it means to have control over our actions.
One example that Dennett gives is the scenario of an ingenious physiologist who can manipulate a person's internal state to make them have a specific desire and then observe them act in accordance with that desire. Despite the fact that the person's action was caused by an internal state, it can still be considered a free action because there was no external obstacle preventing them from performing it.