Agency from the gods’ perspective Gods are believed to have plenary agency however, this is not the case. This is shown in an argument that Zeus and Hera have over the destruction of several cities of the mortal world (4.35-85). Their mismatch, therefore leads us to question the scope of the agency that god’s posses, and what they have control over. Agency is found in two different forms: the power to control events and the control of one’s actions. Zeus, the most powerful god in Olympus, has…
Throughout modern history humanity has consistently worn blinders; ignoring the total potential of freedom. In Civilization and Its Discontent, Sigmund Freud proposes the idea that an individual’s freedom is inhibited by his or her own guilt. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels argue that the very structure of society represses the freedom of the entire working class in their book, The Communist Manifesto. Both viewpoints show how man’s freedom is much more restricted than one would think. That…
whether Romeo and Juliet had any control over their lives. If their lives played out by the choices they made (free will) or were it fate in charge all along? Were they puppets in their own lives or did they actually make their own decisions? “Fate or destiny is a supernatural power predetermining the path of one’s life.” (Introduction to English Studies, 2018) “Free will is the idea that we are free to make decisions unhindered by external forces.” (Bartleby, 2016) The book begins by saying “a…
Taking the Environment into Account The argument of determinism and free will has been disputed and contemplated for many years. People are forced to make decisions and have a given set options to choose from that are inescapable. Those situations may be a direct result of previous decisions or where the situation is taking place. Things do not usually turn out the way we really want it. I would concur that individuals can settle on decisions that shape their lives, but at the same time,…
Free will is a very interesting and well debated topic for us humans. Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to the question of whether we have free will or not. According to Saul McLeod 2013, free will is an idea that individuals have the ability to do whatever they want and act however they want without the inputs of others which they consider as being self-determined. But here Is where the question gets a little more intense, do human beings have free will or is it determinism.…
choose freely as we see fit, though often that right is taken from us. The very right that holds the key to what our future holds and who we’ll become. Our lives in the hands of someone else. J.R.R Tolkein’s Return of the King centers heavily on free will and predestination, on one hand some characters are able to choose their road freely and decide their fate, while on the other its seem some characters have a set that is predestined for them despite the choices they may make. While it seemed…
Jansenism, though undergoing some difficulties with the Pope at the time, Pope Innocent X, presents significant points on free will as well. Cornelius Jansen bases his thought on Augustine’s theology, i.e. limited free will. The Jansenists believe, like Augustine and Luther, that it is strictly through the Grace of God that we can be virtuous and offered salvation. Jansen suggests, as many of the earlier Reformers have, to return to the source, i.e. scripture, to define true faith. Inopportunely…
Free Will and Indeterminism: Do Humans Have Free Will? Derek S. Landes Columbia College of Missouri Abstract This literature review explores free will in humans. Books written by three experts are used to dissect this. Sir Karl Popper (1982) is regarded as one of the greatest modern philosphers. He argues againisnt scientific detererminism. His argument of an indeterministic universe demands free will. Quantim psychics seems to confirm Popper’s theory. Wilhelm Wundt (1969) is considered one…
Within the average human life, it is easy to ponder the wonders of the future and what life will have created for itself by then. It makes us wonder of fate and destiny. It’s strange to think that everything that is going to happen has already happened, yet nothing has happened at all. Through the texts: The Veldt by Ray Bradbury, Oblivion, directed by Jack Kosinski, The Matrix, directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, and Mr. Robot, created by Sam Esmail; many variations of fate and destiny are…
Destiny and fate have long been seen as unalterable and set aspect of an individual's life, this has lead to a simplistic society that fears change even if it could prove to be beneficial. the texts The Alchemist and The Giver explore the idea of changing fate by pushing two developing characters to strive for change. Various external forces are put in place to help promote this mindset, these forces push both protagonists out of their comfort zone and drives them to better themselves in the…