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Essay / The Free Will and Determinism Debate questionable decisions. The question is whether these emotional reactions are justified. This investigation centers around the debate between free will and determinism, questioning whether humans truly have control over their actions or whether they simply follow a predetermined path. This topic is not only of philosophical interest, but also has importance in religious teachings that explore human consciousness and predestination. This essay seeks to delve deeper into the definitions of free will and determinism, present arguments for and against each concept, and consider the possibility of compatibilism. It posits that while free will and determinism can coexist, they cannot be fully embraced simultaneously. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayFree WillThe concept of free will has intrigued philosophers throughout history. At its core, free will refers to an individual's ability to make decisions without external constraints, unaffected by necessity or fate. Philosophers like Plato viewed free will as a form of self-control, allowing individuals to control their passions and desires. Philo of Alexandria believed that free will distinguished humans from animals, residing in the soul. Kant associates free will with morality, suggesting that individuals who act in accordance with true morality exercise true free will. Despite divergent views, philosophers have often associated free will with ethics and the fight against corruption. Some philosophers have defended free will through various arguments. Descartes, in his “Fourth Meditation,” asserted that the ability to make mistakes proved the existence of free will, because God would not deceive individuals into creating them with erroneous judgment. However, contemporary scientific debates have challenged the notion of free will, suggesting that neural activity precedes conscious effort, thereby undermining the idea of true action. Genetic studies have also hinted at the influence of genes on intelligence and behavior, raising questions about the extent of human autonomy. Determinism Unlike free will, determinism posits that each event is causally determined by previous events, thereby negating the idea of free choice. Ancient philosophers like Democritus and Leucippus were among the first determinists, asserting that nothing happens by chance but by necessity. Modern thinkers like Schopenhauer asserted that individual actions are predetermined reactions to stimuli, thereby denying the existence of free will. Religious teachings often align with determinism, attributing events to divine providence and predestination. Critics of determinism, such as Van Inwagen, have pointed out its incongruity with moral responsibility. According to Van Inwagen, if all actions are predetermined, individuals cannot be held responsible for immoral behavior because outside forces dictate their actions. This raises doubts about the moral implications of determinism and calls into question its compatibility with human ethics. Compatibilism Faced with the dichotomy of free will and determinism, certain philosophers have proposed compatibilism as a ground, 2017.
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