24.221: Metaphysics
Prof. Sally Haslanger
April 2, 2003
Fourth Homework Assignment
Provide short answers in your own words to the following questions
based on your reading of Strawson’s “Freedom and Resentment” (in Free
Will, pp. 59-80). In answering your questions be sure to draw the
essay as a whole, not just a sentence here or there.
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on: 4/23/03
No late assignments will be accepted.
1. Strawson characterizes a debate between an “optimist” and
a “pessimist” about determinism. What does the optimist claim, and
what does the pessimist claim?
2. On Strawson’s view, what is a reactive attitude? In
explaining what a reactive attitude is, give an example of a reactive attitude
and an example of a non-reactive attitude.
3. Strawson contrasts having reactive attitudes towards someone and
having objective attitudes towards them. He says, “Even in the same
situation, I must add, they are not altogether exclusive of each other;
but they are, profoundly, opposed to each other.” (66) Can you
explain why, on Strawson’s view, they are opposed? (When, for example,
is it appropriate to take up the reactive or objective attitudes towards
another?)
4. Strawson suggests that at some point the pressing question
is, “…what it would be rational to do if determinism were true, a question
about the rational justification of our ordinary inter-personal attitudes
in general.” (70). What is his answer to this question? On his
view, would it be rational to continue with our reactive attitudes towards
others if determinism were true?
5. How does Strawson’s view provide a “move towards reconciliation”
(59) between pessimists and optimists?