Fischer on Alternative Possibilities and Responsibility

Abstract

... Black inserts a mechanism into Jones’ brain which enables Black to monitor and control Jones’ activities. Jones, meanwhile, knows nothing of this. Black exercises this control through a sophisticated computer which he has programmed so that, among other things, it monitors Jones’ voting behavior. If Jones were to show any inclination to vote for Bush, then the computer, through the mechanism in Jones’ brain, intervenes to assure that he actually decides to vote for Clinton and does so vote. But if Jones decides on his own to vote for Clinton, the computer does nothing but continue to monitor — without affecting — the goings-on in Jones’ head.¹