Free Will? An investigation into whether we have free will or whether I was always going to write this book.

by Jonathan MS Pearce

This book is a fine introduction into the age-old philosophical debate as to whether we have free will, or whether we live determined lives. Pearce approaches the subject in a lively manner, explaining terms clearly and using anecdotes to break down some of the heavier philosophy so that it is available to the popular philosophy reader. Now that we are understanding our genetic heritage and our neurology better, can we account for all our characteristics and decisions? The author also looks at how theories of free will and determinism integrate with religion, particularly Christianity. If we live under the illusion of free will, do religions need reassessing? How does free will work when God knows what we are doing in advance? Does God have free will? How does prophecy interfere with free will? How is our justice system affected if we know exactly why people commit crimes? These and other crucial questions are investigated with a deft touch, and the author uses recent and important scientific findings to support the text supplying a valuable overview to the subject.

Genres: Religion

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2010

About the author

Jonathan MS Pearce is an author, philosopher, blogger, and public speaker who has written Free Will? An Investigation into Whether We Have Free Will or Whether He Was Always Going to Write This Book as well as The Little Book of Unholy Questions and The Nativity: A Critical Examination. He blogs under the name “A Tippling Philosopher.” Working as a teacher, he lives in Hampshire, U.K., with his partner and twin boys.

Reviews

[Dave Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly thought provoking and it provided a lot of material to support my own theory that most of the choices people make really aren't choices at all. I still have trouble with the concept of free will being a delusion but it's difficult to refute Jonathan's logic.

[Ulrike Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a MUST READ for everybody.