A metaphysical force or a social mediator?

If the universe can be defined by a simple wave function, everything that has happened and will happen could be reduced to a single equation. In other words, when we are passengers on a train, we only have one track to travel on.

Chen takes this idea of ​​a single railway line and applies the idea of ​​classical determinism. In fact, he calls quantum mechanics highly deterministic and leaves absolutely no room for chance. For a theory that has historically advocated flexibility, the argument sparks a dialogue (see Scientific American, “Has Quantum Physics Determined Your Future?”).

“Physicists traditionally value the predictive and explanatory power of determinism,” Chen said. “Others, including some philosophers, have generally been more divided, not least because determinism seems to preclude human free will.”

In a highly deterministic universe, Chen also points out that there can be no counterfactuals. These “what if” scenarios disappear because there are no other entertainment options. The original law (wave function) has already decided what should be.

“If the laws of physics are deterministic and our actions are just the sum of particle interactions, there seems to be no room for us to freely choose A instead of B, because the previous states of the universe have already determined the outcome of our actions.” election,” Chen said. “And if we are not free, how can we be praised or blamed for our actions?”

The freedom to behave correctly

Praise and blame – and the role of free will in maintaining rules in society – is a topic that Vargas has studied in depth. Through this lens he attempts to rework the concept of free will. Rather than focusing on whether it exists or not, Vargas examines the practical implications of free will as a tool for enforcing norms.

“I think we have a misconception about what free will is,” Vargas explained in his recent chapter on revisionism in “Four Views on Free Will.” “The version I defend is that free will exists, that it is compatible with the possibility of determinism, and that its distinctive features are a function of its mediation of various practical and social interests.”

Examining how free will works in our communities is just one way to classify an idea that has divided scientists for centuries. Popularly viewed as an individual freedom to make value-based decisions, Vargas expands the concept of free will to include an interpersonal character.