Freedom and Ability

Abstract

The first part of the article presents an introduction to the contemporary work on the problem of freedom. There are two main positions which differ in their understanding of the connection between the concepts of freedom and ability. A compatibilist claims that freedom and determinissm are compatible. An incompatibilist denies this and argues that the concept of freedom entails the absolute ability to do otherwise. The latter presents the argument based on the “transfer of powerlesness.” The reductio ad absurdum version of the argument is discussed and it is argued against J. M. Fischer that the strategy developed by Duns Scotus is still a viable refutation of the incompatibilist type of reasoning.