On the last post, I differentiated between volition and free will. To illustrate the difference, I gave the example of an assailant forcing you to choose between getting shot in the right or left hand. That example was rather bad, so I decided to give a better explanation of the issue today.
The first thing to keep in mind is that talking about volition and free will is like talking about existence and identity. Both terms refer to the same thing, from different perspectives. "Existence" contrasts that which exists with the alternative of not existing, while "identity" identifies that existents possess specific, non-contradictory characteristics. Both terms, however, refer to that which exists, and is what it is. To talk about one without the other would be to talk about a chair that isn't a chair, for example - which is nonsense.
In the same way, "volition" refers to the mental act of choosing, while "free will" identifies that our choices aren't predestined or ineffective. Both terms, however, refer to the act of choosing, which is the act of causing a change in reality. A "predestined" choice would not be a choice at all, but only the illusion of choice, as would a choice that does not cause a change in reality.
In the "right or left hand" example, the choice, however wicked, would still be effective. A right-handed person, for example, would be much better off choosing to get shot in their left hand - they would have selected among different alternatives. A better example of volition without free will would be one in which the assailant ignores the choice altogether, and shoots you in the foot. Even then, however, free will is still present in your choice to comply, instead of disregarding the assailant, for example. To choose is to be the cause of one's choices, and therefore any example would be flawed - unless we're talking about mental illness.
A mental illnesses is a borderline condition in which our very faculties of perception and volition are impaired. Let's take the example of a delusional man who sees two demons in front of him, and shoots the one on the right. Although the mental act of choosing existed, his choice had no relationship to reality whatsoever - there were no demons in front of him in the first place. His actions were predetermined by the nature of his condition - which is also the cause of his action.
Complex right? If only a series of full-length essays on the subject was on the way...
1742.211 SRY