Description: "Using a range of engaging examples, the book introduces the problems, arguments, and theories surrounding free will. Beginning with a discussion of fatalism, foreknowledge, and causal determinism, the book goes on to focus on the metaphysics of moral responsibility, free will skepticism, and skepticism about moral responsibility. Campbell shows that no matter how we look at it, free will is problematic. Thankfully there are a plethora of solutions on offer and the best of these are considered in full in the final chapter on contemporary theories of free will. This chapter includes a rigorous account of libertarianism and compatibilism as well as more nuanced views like revisionism and naturalism"--Back cover.
Review Quotes: "Not only a thorough introduction to the topic, but also an excellent source of references and perspectives for further research."
Ethical Perspectives
"A well-written work which offers a real contribution to contemporary philosophy."
Political Studies Review
"Enormous ground is covered in this quite slim volume and there is much to cogitate on: it is fascinating entrée in to this extremely relevant and contemporary area of philosophy."
LSE Politics Blog
"Thoroughly researched and includes a lengthy bibliography and a list of good movies - recommended."
Choice
"Campbell's Free Will is remarkable: it is an efficient but impressively thorough treatment of the rich collection of issues that arise in contemporary philosophical work on free will."
Manuel Vargas, University of San Francisco
"This is an excellent book. It is a very comprehensive - and yet highly accessible - overview of the contemporary literature on free will. Reading this work would be an ideal way of getting up to speed on this lively and exciting sub-field of philosophy. Joseph Campbell knows his stuff, and he is an outstanding guide to the debates about free will that engage so many contemporary philosophers. Highly recommended."
John Fischer, University of California, Riverside
"An informed and engaging introduction to the free will problem which explains some of the more complex and important current debates about free will in clear and understandable terms without sacrificing rigor of argument."
Robert Kane, University of Texas at Austin