AN EXAMINATION OF SAM HARRIS’ POSITION ON ALVIN PLANTINGA’S FREEWILL DEFENSE

Abstract

The problem of this study is the fact that there is a serious disagreement between philosophers like Sam Harris and Alvin Plantinga on the issue of freewill. This paper aims to resolve this discrepancy by supporting the position of Plantinga that it is logically impossible for God to create free persons and determine their actions. This perspective aligns with the views of Augustine of Hippo, who attributes evil to the misuse of human freewill rather than direct divine intention. For Harris, freewill is an illusion. Human wills are simply not their own making. Harris further argues that thought and intentions emerge from background causes of which human beings are unaware and over which they exert no conscious control. This position promotes determinism over and against the concept of freewill, thereby portraying humans as beings controlled by external forces. This paper employs phenomenological research methodology and recommends, among others, that though thoughts and intentions may be influenced, human beings are still responsible for their actions as they are endowed with the ability to choose. It supports the concept of freewill based on moral responsibility, which upholds that a person is blameworthy and ought to be accountable for violating standards of conduct.