Transcript of an Interview with Gary Watson

Abstract

This is a transcript of an interview with Gary Watson conducted by Sarah Buss on November 3, 2016. It commences with some autobiographical context: Watson became interested in philosophy after high school upon meeting a philosophy major at an artist’s colony. The study of political philosophy drew him into considering freedom and responsibility, and autonomy. The case of Harris is covered as an investigation of normative competency. Problems with the notion of weak will and self-control are discussed. Asked for any important changes in his thinking, Watson responds that he conflated issues of autonomy and of responsibility; this bears also on responsibility in a weak-willed agent. Finally, Watson asserts that freedom is not just about responsibility; it’s also about having a capacity to direct your life in a certain way. He hopes to investigate this further.