Reformed Thought on Freedom vs. Compatibilism

Abstract The present essay addresses the differences between the early modern Reformed orthodox understanding of free choice and necessity and the modern compatibilist theory of free will and determinism. The essay specifically addresses the problematic reading of the documents and the rather confused philosophical conclusions found in a recent essay by Michael Preciado in which the Reformed orthodox view is assimilated to modern compatibilism. Preciado’s claim that I misunderstand compatibilism is shown to be mistaken and his understanding of the older Reformed conceptions of necessity, liberty, and freedom shown to rest on inaccurate exegesis of early modern texts.