In his lecture, Dennett argues that our traditional understanding of free will, which assumes that our decisions and actions are completely independent of any external factors, is flawed. He believes that our decisions are actually influenced by a combination of internal and external factors, making them ultimately non-deterministic.
Dennett defines free will as the ability to make choices that are not determined by any external forces, but rather by our own internal desires and beliefs. However, he argues that these internal desires and beliefs are themselves influenced by external factors, making our free will ultimately non-deterministic.
Dennett uses a variety of evidence from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to support his argument. He discusses experiments and studies that have shown our decision-making processes to be influenced by factors such as genetics, upbringing, culture, and environment. He also explores philosophical concepts such as determinism and compatibilism to further support his argument.
Traditional views of free will often emphasize the idea of complete freedom and autonomy in decision-making, whereas Dennett's view acknowledges the role of external factors in influencing our decisions. He also argues that free will is not an all-or-nothing concept, but rather exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of determination and influence.
Dennett's lecture challenges the idea that individuals should be solely responsible for their actions, as their decisions are influenced by external factors beyond their control. This raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of holding individuals fully accountable for their actions. However, Dennett also argues that having a better understanding of the non-deterministic nature of free will can lead to more compassionate and effective approaches to addressing and preventing harmful behaviors.