The Nonsense of Free Will

Facing up to a false belief

Richard Oerton author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Troubador Publishing

Published:1st Oct '12

Should be back in stock very soon

The Nonsense of Free Will cover

This book offers a critical examination of free will, questioning its existence and implications for morality and punishment in society, including cases like Myra Hindley's.

In The Nonsense of Free Will, the author delves into the complex themes surrounding morality, punishment, and the concept of free will. Central to the discussion is the provocative question of whether individuals like Myra Hindley truly deserve punishment for their actions. The narrative challenges readers to consider if belief in free will serves as a necessary foundation for moral responsibility or simply as a justification for cruelty. Throughout the book, the author explores whether free will is a genuine phenomenon or merely an illusion, provoking deep contemplation about its implications for society.

The author, a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in law reform and private practice, offers a unique perspective on these philosophical inquiries. He asserts that the debate over free will and determinism is not just for philosophers; it is a matter that should concern everyone. By presenting these age-old questions in an engaging and accessible manner, he encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the societal consequences of rejecting or accepting the notion of free will.

Ultimately, The Nonsense of Free Will invites readers to confront challenging ideas about human behavior, morality, and the justice system. It serves as a thought-provoking examination of how our understanding of free will shapes our views on punishment and moral accountability, urging us to consider the broader implications of these concepts in our lives.

‘Most people are completely taken in by the illusion of free will. Happily, Richard Oerton is not among them. The Nonsense of Free Will is a wonderfully clear – and very clever – little book.’ -- Sam Harris * author of The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape and Free Will *
‘There are philosophical, scientific, scholarly, novel, determined, American, pompous, dotty and other books on free will and determinism. There are also a few books that are lucid and informal introductions for ordinary readers and let you know that your free will does not exist. Richard Oerton’s may be the best of these.’ -- Professor Ted Honderich * Grote Professor Emeritus of the Philosophy of Mind and Logic, University College London *
This book is superbly written and a delight to read. Starting as a clearly reasoned treatment of determinism, it merges seamlessly into a critique of English criminal law and penal policy, and ends with a plea for society to abandon what the author sees as its irrational belief in free will.’ -- Joshua Rozenberg * lawyer and legal commentator, formerly legal editor of The Daily Telegraph *

ISBN: 9781780882871

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

240 pages