Alfred Remen Mele is an American philosopher and the William H. and Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy at
Florida State University. He is also the past Director of the Philosophy and Science of Self-Control Project (2014-2017) and the Big Questions in Free Will Project (2010-2013). Mele is the author of thirteen books and over 250 articles.
Mele began his career writing about Aristotle and practical reason, but gradually moved into a focus on contemporary issues in the
philosophy of mind and
action. While not taking a stand on the question whether free will is or is not compatible with determinism, Mele develops positive conceptions of how free will may be implemented from both “compatibilist” and “incompatibilist” perspectives. He also has argued that claims that scientists have proved that free will is an illusion are not credible. Mele is also known for his development of a causal theory of how intentional actions are produced and for his deflationary view of
self-deception.
Bibliography (partial)
Books (as author)
Free Will: An Opinionated Guide. Oxford University Press, 2022.
Manipulated Agents: A Window to Moral Responsibility. Oxford University Press, 2019.
Aspects of Agency: Decisions, Abilities, Explanations, and Free Will. Oxford University Press, 2017.