Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 The Problem of Free Will—Main Positions and Problems

1.2 The Theory Proposed in this Book

1.3 Methodological Reflections

2 Causality

2.1 Part 1: Jonathan Schaffer’s Understanding of Causality

2.1.1 To what category do causes and effects belong?

2.1.2 How many relata are there in the causal relation?

2.1.3 How are causes and effects connected?

2.1.4 How are causes selected from other conditions?

2.2 Part 2: Evaluation of Schaffer’s Understanding of Causality

2.2.1 To what category do causes and effects belong?

2.2.2 How many relata are there in the causal relation?

2.2.3 How are causes and effects connected?

2.2.4 How are causes selected from other conditions?

3 The Self

3.1 Biological Background

3.2 Brain and Mind

3.3 Emotion

3.4 Memory

3.5 Consciousness

3.6 The Self

3.7 The Function of Consciousness

3.8 Thinking

3.9 Desire

4 Free Will

4.1 What Is Free Will?

4.2 Alternative Possibilities

4.3 Determinism

4.4 Independence of the Self

4.5 Responsibility

4.6 Free Will and Responsibility in Various Cases

5 Answers to Objections

5.1 Main problems for Libertarians

5.2 Main Problems for Compatibilists

5.3 Other Problems

5.4 Conclusion

Bibliography

Name index

Subject index