1.
(Premise) We are
at all responsible for a choice only if it is causally preceded by a principle
of choice we are somewhat responsible for.
2.
(Premise) We are
at all responsible for something only if it is causally preceded by a choice we
are somewhat responsible for.
3.
Therefore, every
choice we are at all responsible for is causally preceded by a choice we are
somewhat responsible for. (By (1) and (2))
4.
(Premise) If
every A is causally preceded by an A, then either there is an infinite
causal regress of As
or a causal circle of As.
5.
Therefore, if we
are at all responsible for a choice, then there is an infinite causal regress
or circle of choices we are somewhat responsible for. (By (3) and (4))
6.
(Premise) There
are no causal circles or infinite regresses among our choices.
7.
Therefore, we are
not at all responsible for any choice. (By (5) and (6))
Case 1: Neural imposition of a state that egoistically
and deterministically motivates
Case 2:
Case 3:
Case 4:
1. Pereboom’s
argument requires that the reason for lack of freedom in the cases is
determinism.
2. Similar indeterministic cases are similar in respect of freedom.
3. So, probably, the reason
for lack of freedom isn’t determinism.