How Manipulation Arguments Mischaracterize Determinism
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21550451 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Paul Torek (Ann Arbor, Michigan, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 457-475 |
| Publication date | 2022-09-02 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Philosophical Papers (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0556-8641 • E-ISSN: 1996-8523 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/05568641.2023.2209292 |
| OpenAlex | W4379374152 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 18 |
I outline a heretofore neglected difference between manipulation scenarios and merely deterministic ones. Plausible scientific determinism does not imply that the relevant prior history of the universe is independent of us, while manipulation does. Owing to sensitive dependence of physical outcomes upon initial conditions, in order to trace a deterministic history, a microphysical level of analysis is required. But on this level physical laws are time-symmetrically deterministic, and causality, conceived asymmetrically, disappears. I then consider a revised scenario to resurrect the threat of manipulation even in the presence of time-symmetry and sensitive dependence upon initial conditions. To do so we posit a Designer-manipulator containing all the information of the manipulated and time-symmetrically related to him. The new scenario violates special relativity, but even waiving that objection, the scenario cannot meet its requirements. I argue that the Designer lacks agency enough to manipulate the target, both because her information lacks the robustness required to constitute knowledge of what she does, and because it leaves no room for desires for specific results
Determinism · Epistemology · Mathematical economics · Physical law · Physics · Theoretical physics · Theory of relativity · Computer Science · Free Will and Agency · Mathematics · Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations · Philosophy · Quantum Mechanics and Applications
| Citations per year | 0.5 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2024 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |