The controversy between free will and determinism

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    Predictability and Unpredictability Some people argue that the predictability of our actions is the biggest threat to free will. They argue that if our actions are predictable, then we cannot be freely choosing them. Others argue that the unpredictability of our actions is the biggest threat to free will. They argue that if our actions are unpredictable, then we cannot be held responsible for them. Passages from the Textbook The following passages from the textbook explain determinism and why it threatens the idea of free will: Determinism is the view that every event is caused by prior events. This means that there are no uncaused events, and no events that could have happened otherwise. Determinism is often contrasted with free will, which is the view that we have the ability to choose our actions freely, without being constrained by prior events. If determinism is true, then it seems that we cannot have free will. If our actions are determined by prior events, then we cannot choose to do otherwise. This is a problem because it undermines our sense of responsibility for our actions. Opposite Points of View The following two points of view about our ability to predict behavior are opposite of each other:

• Everything you do is predictable to those who know you well. This predictability means your life is determined by choices beyond your control.

This point of view suggests that our lives are determined by factors beyond our control, such as our genes, our upbringing, and our environment. It also suggests that our actions are predictable to others who know us well.

• “He sat a long time and he thought about his life and how little of it he could have foreseen and he wondered for all his will and all his intent how much of it was his doing.”

This quote from Cormac McCarthy suggests that our lives are not predictable and that we cannot know what the future holds. It also suggests that our actions are not determined by factors beyond our control. My Opinion I believe that the second point of view is correct. I do not believe that our lives are predictable or that our actions are determined by factors beyond our control. I believe that we have free will and that we are responsible for our own choices. Defense of My Answer There are a number of reasons why I believe that the second point of view is correct. First, I believe that our consciousness gives us the ability to make free choices. We are able to reflect on our options and to choose the course of action that we believe is best. Second, I believe that our experiences shape us but do not determine us. We are able to learn from our mistakes and to change our behavior. Third, I believe that we have the ability to act in ways that are unpredictable to others. We can make choices that are out of character and that surprise even ourselves. Conclusion The controversy between free will and determinism is a complex one. There are strong arguments on both sides. However, I believe that the second point of view is correct. I believe that we have free will and that we are responsible for our own choices.  

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