On the surface level, the concept of free will seems simple to approach. However, after unfolding multiple layers, we discover that it is more complex than it appears to be on the outside. Human beings are complex. Hence, anything about them appears to be complex. I have realized that almost everything about human beings is prone to arguments and debates. Bring the simplest things about human behavior and see people come up with many interpretations about what is or why it is not. Over the years, there's been an ongoing debate regarding the concept of free will. While some interpret it as the freedom to do anything without constraints, others see it from a more philosophical point of view.
I am of the school of thought that the concept of free will means the ability of humans to make decisions, make choices, and act independently without external influences. However, the big question is; are we free and independent? Are our choices influenced by factors around us? Do we subconsciously put these choices first before making our decisions? These are important questions to consider to fully understand the concept of free will. Edition 3 of the Hive Learners’ prompts asks us if humans are free. We live in a society bonded by rules and regulations, and by the fear of being punished. Does this still mean that we are free?
As I mentioned above, the concept of free will means the ability of human beings to make choices, act independently, and make important decisions. One might think that as long as you have come of age and an adult, you are free to make whatever choices you want to make. However, these choices are influenced by factors like religion. For example, in some religions, followers believe that their actions must align with their beliefs. In the Islamic religion, Muslims are not allowed to eat certain foods (like pork) because it is considered Haram. This “rule” has limited their free will. As much as they’d like to try out any food of their choice, they can’t because their religion is constraining them. Similarly, in Christianity, doctrines influence their decisions. Christians believe in heaven and hell. They believe that if they do good, love their neighbor, and share good deeds, they’ll go to heaven. On the other hand, they believe that if they do bad and harm their neighbors, hell is not far from them. As long as Christians or Muslims would like to do anything they want, their free will is limited by the religion.
Moving on, our free will can also be influenced by government policies. As citizens of a country, we live by rules and regulations. The government creates rules and regulations that limit people’s choices. For example, the law against crimes like rape, murder, or theft. These laws restrict people’s free will and prevent them from becoming savage. More importantly, free will can be influenced by personal upbringing. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of values. They showed me why it is important to be able to discern good from bad. For example, they taught me that smoking is bad. And that addiction to smoking is the worst ever. When I graduated from high school and gained admission into the university, I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted. Some of my schoolmates would go to parties, drink, and smoke their lungs out. Could I have easily joined them and started smoking? Yes, but I didn't. That decision was influenced by my upbringing.
Now that I have established the fact that humans have free will, freedom is limited and influenced by factors such as religion, personal upbringing, governmental policies, and so on. There’s still a catch- though humans have the ability to make decisions, these decisions are influenced by the aforementioned factors. Interestingly, humans can still choose to make their choices regardless of these factors, but they should be prepared to face the consequences. For example, despite the rule prohibiting people from committing theft, people who choose to do so can break this rule, but they will face the consequences. Despite the doctrines guiding religions, people can still choose to break them, but should be prepared to face the consequences.
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