Free will is one of those topics with endless discussion (hence this article), but not without good reason. It is a fascinating and pervading subject that touches us where we live. Do we really make "free" choices? Or are things "predetermined" for us and the entire universe. These are big questions that challenge everything--which is why my mind seems to constantly run back to it. There are no doubt many many features to this debate which cover anything from whom we will marry to whether or not subatomic particles acting randomly are the cause of the universe. I am "choosing" to talk about things relating to the first kind; everyday life.
It has been asked, "Can I determine the course of my life?" This is something I think most of us have entertained at some point whether earnestly or just for fun. I recently encountered the "free-will" discussion a couple of times last week. One of my students is working on a paper for his English class in which he is discussing free will vs. fate in the lives of Romeo and Juliet. Did they truly defy their circumstances however bleak or did they foolishly and inevitably fall into the hands of fate? One thing to be asked in this controversy is whether it is even possible to know the answer. Differing perspectives adequately explain both sides.... or at least it seems to be so.
Question. Did you choose to read this article or were you compelled by forces outside of yourself? Are there preconditions that led you to this inescapable point? On the other hand, what reasons are there to assume that there is anything other than your own will? Do you not go where you want to go? Are you not the "captain of your own ship?" Can you ever remember a time where you did something in complete opposition to your own inclinations? If everything is predetermined, how would you act as if you were in accordance with it. And if you chose "the road less traveled," is it always "with a sigh?"
All these questions skim the surface of a more deeper reality: If there is some kind of outside force that bends everything ultimately to its "will" what then is it? Nature? The Universe itself? God? First we must answer the question as to whether or not we can truly make "free" choices.
Suppose you are deciding whom you should marry. I like to awkwardly ask my single friends "Do you think you already know your future spouse or do you think you have yet to meet them?" Whether they reveal their true answer or not remains to be certain but their immediate repulsion or excitement at the question is a pretty good tell in my opinion. Now suppose this questionee was trying to decide between two good choices (3, 4 or 5 for some). Person A is very good-looking, very promising and shares the same set of beliefs. Person B is also very good-looking, promising, and shares the same core values and beliefs. The only real difference is that one is a redhead and the other a brunette (Blondes have been left out of this discussion to protect the innocent). So is their truly a "better choice?" Well, if one believes in preordination there might be some anxiety involved in this choice. Will I choose the right person? Conversely, there might be anxiety on the part of someone who believes that their life is completely what you make of it. There is an anxiety of an uncertain future.
I'm not sure I can adequately answer this question of which perspective is indeed true from a human perspective-- in fact I'm certain I cannot. But being human, I realize that my questions require an explanation that transcends simple reason. In the case of redhead vs. brunette I think both perspectives struggle with shaky reasons. The only way I can sufficiently be sure I am making the best decision is if my reasons--whether "free-will" or "predetermined"--are trustworthy. It comes down to whether or not I am a trustworthy decision-maker or if the outside force is. One thing I know for myself is that I often make very bad choices. So for me, the issue is what outside force will I trust and depend on. Scientific realities are not really helpful aside from racial, medical and genetic factors. I mean I think scientists make as many bad decisions about whom to marry as non-scientists do (if you disagree please show me how this is not the case). So in terms of life decisions, the better question to ask than "are my choices free," is "Am I a sufficient and sound decision-maker?" This is a question I cannot answer for you. I only admit that I am not. And as most of you know, I "choose" to rely on the wisdom of Jesus Christ, King of kings. He is not only a good decision-maker, He has proven to be the best and most wise decision-maker in my life. What or who is yours?
So what about Romeo and Juliet and is it the redhead or the brunette? Well, they trusted their own inclinations and perhaps it was not a mysterious fate that was the cause of their demise, but simply a lack of wisdom. And as for the redhead or the brunette, in my case I have chosen the better.. but I don't think it had anything to do with follicles.
