Frankfurt's Unwilling and Wanton Addicts thought experiment is intended to show that actions based on first-order desires can fail to be free.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Frankfurt's thought experiment with "Unwilling and Wanton Addicts" illustrates that actions stemming solely from first-order desires (desires to do or not do something) can lack freedom if the individual cannot reflect upon or endorse these desires through second-order volitions (desires about one's desires). This highlights the complexity of free will, suggesting that freedom involves not just acting on desires but being able to willingly endorse or reject them.

Frankfurt's Unwilling and Wanton Addicts Thought Experiment Is Intended to Show