Final answer:
Thomas Nagel supports the view that humans are capable of free will and autonomy, arguing against the idea of strict physical determinism. He draws on Kant's view that rationality differentiates humans from other animals, allowing them to act out of duty, and hence, exercise free will. Nagel emphasizes the moral responsibility that accompanies human freedom, suggesting that humans bear the consequences of their choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Nagel argues in support of the common sense view that humans have the capacity for free actions and possess some level of autonomy. He posits that humans make decisions that seem unbound by physical determinism emblematic of the natural world. Unlike a book subjected to gravity, humans demonstrate the ability to choose, evidently possessing free will. His stance is linked to Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy asserting that humans have the unique ability to reason and act beyond mere impulses. This ability to use reason to discern laws of nature and act accordingly imposes a moral obligation on humans to act out of duty, promoting the goodness of their will. Hence, it is our rational capacity that underpins our freedom.
Moreover, the sensation of having choices aligns with the libertarian view that freedom is self-evident through our experiences. Nagel considers the possibility of human actions being free from the deterministic laws that govern objects in the physical universe. While soft determinism posits that as long as there are no internal constraints on a choice, it can be considered free, Nagel leans towards an understanding of human freedom that takes into account moral responsibility. The belief in free will places total responsibility on the individual for their actions and their consequences, thus respecting human autonomy and the capacity to exercise it.
As we reflect on whether humans can determine their every action independently of prior experiences, Nagel urges us to recognize the responsibility entailed in our freedom. If there is no divine intervention, it is up to humans to bear the weight of the outcomes of their choices, setting examples and affecting the world with each decision made. It is in this radical freedom that we find the essence of moral agency and autonomy.