Strawson’s article will serve us in a couple of ways. First, it presents a distinctive view of one issue concerning freedom of will: many people we have discussed have tried hard to insure that their views on free will were compatible with the existence of moral responsibility, but Strawson argues against the possibility of such responsibility. Also, Strawson is at least much interested in considering reactions to his argument as he is in presenting the argument itself, so his discussion will provide an opportunity to look back at other things we have discussed.
• Tues. 12/4: §§1-5 (pp. 289-299). The focus of these sections is Strawson’s argument—he begins with one presentation of and ends with another—but between these presentations he considers some reactions to it.
• Thurs. 12/6: §§6-7 (pp. 299-305). In his §6, which is the bulk of this assignment, Strawson gives extended consideration to several sorts of responses to his argument. As you read his accounts of these responses, think how the people we’ve discussed earlier might respond, either in the ways Strawson points to or in others.