The problem with the method
Am I willingly writing this sentence or is it the sequence of infinite events of the universe’s past that are causing this action? This question can be answered through a simple experiment. That is, can I stop writing if I wish to? The answer is yes, indeed I can but I choose to write for I have the freedom to choose what I want. Also, what is causing my wish to stop or keep writing? Is it the sequence of infinite events of the universe’s past or is it caused currently due to my contemplation of the problem?
At a glance, this simple thought experiment seems to convince an observer, however, there is a conundrum which is: What if this thought experiment was also caused by the infinite events that have happened and are still happening since the birth of the universe? What if everything we do or say, or write is predetermined?
To avoid paradoxes (love them though), I will disregard these objections because such objections can be raised against any explanation or answer of free will on account of the lack of a falsifiable method of verifying whether an act is spontaneous and willing – as opposed to determined by the conditions of the past.
Determinism
Determinism is the doctrine that posits all of our decisions are ultimately determined by conditions that are not in our control and are caused by the history of the universe. Meaning if I am studying for a bachelor’s degree, I am doing so on account of the events of my past. And my past includes not only my past but the entire past of the universe. The universe was created, it cooled down, life emerged, species evolved, and one species evolved into what we call today humans, humans then created institutions as part of organized life which requires me to get a college degree to survive or for other reasons.
Now the problem with this theory is that it entirely disregards the present. The whim. It simply ignores the fact that one chooses to act in a certain manner out of one’s own will. From a philosophical lens, to say that everything is caused by the events of the past seems too big a generalization that fails to justify its proposition.
Fatalism
“Fatalism is the belief that events are predetermined by some impersonal power (Kessler, 2015)”. Meaning that the occurrences in one’s life are not influenced by the actions of the person but are determined by external forces. Arthur Schopenhauer puts it in The World as Will and Idea, “man can do what he wants but cannot want what he wants (1844)”. What the great pessimist philosopher says is that the freedom of will is an illusion. Meaning, that what we do thinking we are doing willingly is a mere illusion and in reality, it is the conditions of the time that are causing our actions. Furthermore, Schopenhauer also means that the human mind is conditioned to believe its actions to be purely its own. When in fact, the actions are the result of the conditions.
Since one cannot verify the validity of this proposition, it cannot be regarded as a cogent argument against the freedom of the will.
Also Read: Difference Between Fatalism vs Determinism
Predestination
As opposed to fatalism, predestination is the “belief that occurrences are determined by a personal power (Kessler, 2015)”. This theory posits that destiny can be influenced by the efforts of an individual. Moreover, it empowers an individual similar to the theories that are discussed in the later parts of the essay.
Libertarianism, existentialism, and the Law of Karma
Libertarianism, existentialism, and the law of karma emancipate the person from the presumed slavery of a determined or a predestined world and this freedom comes with the responsibility and the ability to choose one’s own destiny.
Libertarianism
Libertarianism is a political philosophy that argues against the control of the state over the private lives of its citizens and maintains that a state should intervene in a person’s private life only when it is a threat to the well-being of the collective society.
In the context of free will, libertarianism advocates for the exercise of the free will of people.
A premise that supports free will is inherent in the fundamental proposition of libertarianism. This theory is based on the premise that humans can and should choose the conduct of their life as they see fit, as long as it does not infringe on other people’s rights or harm other people. This means that the stakes for which libertarianism advocates make it a precondition for us to believe in the freedom of the will.
In fact, the libertarian philosopher John Stuart Mill believed the free will to be “an individual’s freedom to choose his own form of happiness, that could override the Utilitarian pleasure-pain principle” (1859).
Existentialism
Existentialism is the philosophical tradition that argues for freedom and decision as foundational characteristics of human nature. Jean-Paul Sartre puts in Existentialism is a Humanism, “Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. It is up to you to give [life] a meaning” (Sartre, 2007). The tradition of existentialism is founded on the premise that freedom and decision are the fundamental parts of human nature and that they should be exercised. Furthermore, the existentialist approach advocates for the exercise of the freedoms to which man is condemned.
Another core concept of existentialist theory is the belief in the rationality of human nature.
Law of Karma – The Moral Side
The law of Karma is a theory that maintains that the true thoughts of an individual are realized and their actions, whether good or bad, have consequences for them as well. This law too supports the freedom of the will in a subtle manner. Knowing that one will not be immune from the ramifications of one’s actions will hold the person responsible and therefore, prevent the person from committing evil deeds.
It certainly does not justify the freedom of the will but is a plausible reason for many to believe in the subject matter. The reason is the moral responsibility of people for their actions. Because if people are not to be held responsible for their actions, the diabolical part of human nature will dominate the world, and therefore, an external restrainer in the name of Karma is needed.
References
Kessler, G. E. (2015). Voices of Wisdom: A Multicultural Philosophy Reader (9th ed.). Wadsworth Publishing.
Mill, J. S. (1859). On Liberty. Independently published.
Sartre, J. (1946). Existentialism Is a Humanism (Annotated ed.). Yale University Press.
Schopenhauer, A. (1844). Schopenhauer: The World as Will and Representation (The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Schopenhauer). Cambridge University Press.
