Esfeld, Michael (2017) Why determinism in physics has no implications for free will. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper argues for the following three theses: (1) There is a clear reason to prefer physical theories with deterministic dynamical equations: such theories are both maximally simple and maximally rich in information, since given an initial configuration of matter and the dynamical equations, the whole (past and future) evolution of the configuration of matter is fixed. (2) There is a clear way how to introduce probabilities in a deterministic physical theory, namely as answer to the question of what evolution of a specific system we can reasonably expect under ignorance of its exact initial conditions. This procedure works in the same manner for both classical and quantum physics. (3) There is no cogent reason to subscribe to an ontological commitment to the parameters that enter the (deterministic) dynamical equations of physics. These parameters are defined in terms of their function for the evolution of the configuration of matter, which is defined in terms of relative particle positions and their change. Granting an ontological status to them does not lead to a gain in explanation, but only to artificial problems. Against this background, I argue that there is no conflict between determinism in physics and free will (on whatever conception of free will), and, in general, point out the limits of science when it comes to the central metaphysical issues.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Esfeld, Michael Michael-Andreas.Esfeld@unil.ch
Keywords:	determinism, free will, physical laws, functional reduction, classical mechanics, quantum mechanics
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism General Issues > Laws of Nature
Depositing User:	Michael Esfeld
Date Deposited:	29 Oct 2017 12:16
Last Modified:	29 Oct 2017 12:16
Item ID:	14076
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism General Issues > Laws of Nature
Date:	29 October 2017
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14076

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• Why determinism in physics has no implications for free will. (deposited 29 Oct 2017 12:16) [Currently Displayed]
  • Why determinism in physics has no implications for free will. (deposited 10 Dec 2018 04:43)

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