The Problem of Free Will and Determinism

Free will and determinism are competing ideas and beliefs without any solid resolution, and there are many varied definitions and explanations for both of these beliefs. Not only is there a quandary between the polar opposite theories, there is also a quandary between how to define them. Regardless of how we express these terms and how we present them, we have to decide what we believe. I will argue that no matter what you call free will, it encompasses everything we do in our lives. Even if we decide not to decide, a choice has still been made, and it would be very difficult to separate free will from any definition or theory.

Free will is called by many names, such as, choices, decisions, options, freedom, inclination, and intention. The basic way to define free will is the ability to choose between one or more possible actions. The dictionary defines free will in many ways, however, the basic definition states it as the ability to choose, think, and act voluntarily. Free will, by this definition, would imply that our choices are our own and we can also choose to act on them or simply think about these choices. There are other definitions that bring in the exclusion that free will is only our own voluntary decision if they were not decided by past events or divine intervention. Divine intervention would imply different beliefs, such as theological determinism that states…