Making Sense of Your Freedom: Philosophy for the Perplexed - Softcover

Felt S.J., James W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 026802877X ISBN 13: 9780268028770

Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press, 2005

Synopsis

Written for general readers and students, this book provides an accessible and brief metaphysical defense of freedom. James W. Felt, S.J., invites his audience to consider that we are responsible for what we do precisely because we do it freely. His perspective runs counter to the philosophers who argue that the freedom humans feel in their actions is merely an illusion. Felt argues in detail that there are no compelling reasons for thinking we are not free, and very strong ones for thinking that we are. The view that Felt develops parallels that of the French philosopher Henri Bergson (1859–1941). In the course of his analysis, Felt considers determinism, compatibilism, agency, and the problem of evil. Featuring an updated suggested reading list, this clearly and engagingly written introductory work is ideal for the undergraduate classroom.

About this title

About the Author

James W. Felt, S.J., is professor emeritus of philosophy at Santa Clara University. He has published a number of books, including Human Knowing: A Prelude to Metaphysics (2005), Aims: A Brief Metaphysics for Today (2007), and Adventures in Unfashionable Philosophy (2009), all published by the University of Notre Dame Press.

Review

“[A] highly accessible introduction to the central issues and arguments associated with the determinist-compatibilist-libertarian debate. Although addressed to the general reader, the book is richly and densely argued and accomplishes a great deal within its brief span of pages.” (American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly)

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 026802877X
• ISBN 13: 9780268028770
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 110