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Elbow Room: The Varieties of Free Will Worth Wanting

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"Elbow Room: The Varieties of Free Will Worth Wanting" by Daniel C. Dennett explores the concept of free will in a deterministic world. Dennett argues that our deliberations matter and can influence outcomes, while also delving into the idea that the future is unknown and holds genuine opportunities. He challenges traditional notions of free will and determinism, presenting a compatibilist perspective that suggests meaningful degrees of freedom exist within a deterministic system. The book is praised for its thought-provoking content, entertaining style, and ability to clarify complex philosophical concepts regarding free will and determinism.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is clear and engaging, employing analogies and rigorous logic to discuss complex philosophical concepts.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative discusses the interplay of free will and determinism, emphasizing a compatibilist stance and the significance of control over one's environment.

Setting:

The setting is theoretical, focused on contemporary philosophical debates about free will and its implications in relation to determinism.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady and thoughtful, ensuring a clear understanding of complex philosophical arguments without feeling rushed.
When I published Elbow Room in 1984, I supposed it would be the only book on free will I would ever feel the need to publish, and I have to say that after thirty years, the book still strikes me as a ...

Notes:

Elbow Room is Daniel Dennett's first book focused on free will.
The book sets the groundwork for his compatibilist views on free will and determinism.
Dennett argues that free will can exist in a deterministic universe.
He introduces the concept of 'elbow room' as the ability to control our actions based on our environment.
A key analogy in the book is a pilot navigating a storm, illustrating levels of control based on choice.
The book challenges the idea that free will is about the ability to do otherwise.
Dennett discusses how future events are unknowable, which adds complexity to the free will debate.
He breaks down the faulty logic that links determinism to fatalism.
The book addresses the implications of the concept 'ought implies can' in relation to free will.
Dennett suggests that our deliberations can impact outcomes even in a deterministic framework.
Overall, the book is described as entertaining and thought-provoking, providing clarity on complex issues surrounding free will.

From The Publisher:

Essays discuss reason, self-control, self-definition, time, cause and effect, accidents, and responsibility, and explain why people want free will

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