Answer:
William James and Roderick Campbell are two philosophers who have written about the requirements of a free act. While there may be variations in their ideas, they also share some similarities. Let's discuss their perspectives, comparing and contrasting them.
1. James:
William James, an American philosopher, emphasized the concept of indeterminism in free will. He argued that for an act to be considered free, it must not be determined by anything external to the individual's own will. James believed that an act is free when it aligns with the individual's desires and preferences.
2. Campbell:
Roderick Campbell, a Scottish philosopher, puts forth the perspective of compatibilism. He argues that freedom is compatible with determinism. Campbell believed that for an action to be free, it is essential to have an internal state of mind that aligns with the action performed. According to him, personal responsibility and accountability are the key attributes of a free act.
Similarities:
- Both James and Campbell recognize that free acts must involve the individual's own will.
- Both philosophers discuss the need for internal alignment or choice within the individual.
Differences:
- James advocates for the concept of indeterminism, which suggests that free acts should not be influenced or caused by external factors. In contrast, Campbell's compatibilist stance allows for determinism, suggesting that free acts can still coexist with causal determinism.
- James focuses more on an individual's desires and preferences, while Campbell emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability.
Preference:
The choice of preference between James and Campbell's views is subjective and varies based on personal beliefs. Some might find indeterminism more appealing, as it allows for complete freedom from external influences. Others might prefer Campbell's compatibilism, which considers personal responsibility and accountability as essential aspects of free acts.