The Free Will Debate Essay - 2989 Words

The unique ability that each and every individual possesses that enable him/her to control their actions is known as free will. Free will is directly connected to two other vital philosophical issues: freedom of action and moral accountability, which is the main reason why the debate is so vital. Simply stated, a person who has free will refers to an individual’s ability to choose his or her route of action. However, animals also appear to suit this measure, further adding to the debate because free will is typically thought to only be possessed by human beings (Broad 1990). Over the years, there has been an extended running controversial debate as to whether free will truly needs an agent to encompass a definite ability of will, or†¦show more content†¦However, according to Hobbes’ theory, it can also be assumed that an external factor, which in this case is the dog needs exercise and hence needs to go for a walk, has influenced the individual and therefore the action taken, because the decision did not arise form that individuals free will. Still, if there is a difference amid freedom of will and self-determination, it would appear that the notion free will is essential for the performance of free actions. Fundamental questions propelling this debate is why an individual has to be responsible for his action yet they (actions) are not out of free will but from environmental factors which he/she cannot have control over. The simple answer is that we are not, however unpopular this reality may be. On this view, while it may be of immense realistic value to hold people liable for their actions, and to utilize systems of reward and penalty, no one is really justified of blame or praise for anything (Honderich 2002). However, an exception to this theory, lies in the premise of determinism proposed by the British analytic philosopher Galen Strawson. The premise implies that the future is predetermined, because every event has a cause and the causes stretch back to time immemorial (Strawson 1994). From this school of thought, the theory of incompatibilism arises, where determinism is thought to rule out free will. There are threeShow MoreRelatedThe Debate Over The Existence Of Free Will1228 Words   |  5 Pages The debate over the existence of free will is possibly one of the most important discussions of human nature. Insight into this debate holds vast ethical, legal and political implications. 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