Introduction
Various philosophical views tend to understand human nature’s valid values and purposes. Some of them are aimed at considering people’s behavior and thoughts while determining their causes and outcomes. This essay will explore two concepts related to this issue: determinism and free will. Despite the significant influence of external circumstances on people’s actions, there is no possibility of simultaneously defining both people’s actions and thoughts.
Determination
To construct a qualitative understanding of the worldview formed by determinism, it is crucial to highlight the specifics that determine this term. Remarkably, this notion assumes the philosophical knowledge and the concept that discovers people’s actions and purposes. Notably, it was developed considerably by two philosophers, Heraclitus and Leucippus (Vaughn, 2021). Its main point states that human actions cannot be constructed by people but are determined by past happenings and actions (Vaughn, 2021).
According to Vaughn (2021), “It professes that those parts of the universe already laid down absolutely appoint and decree what the other parts shall be” (p. 260). Consequently, this theory underlines the controversial approach compared with free will. It undermines people’s opportunity to construct and influence their destinies.
Predictability
Predictability lies at the core of determinism. Because this concept states the particular influence of events on people’s actions, they could be partly predictable. One should stress that not only actions but also thoughts of humans can be determined according to external circumstances.
However, this predictability can be doubted not only because of the inability to determine people’s thoughts precisely but also because of its complexity (Vaughn, 2021). Therefore, while considering the notion of determinism and its threats, it is vital to consider both people’s actions and thoughts.
Determinism and Free Will
As the opposite notion of determinism, one should highlight the concept of people’s free will. The contra approach assumes that people are responsible for their actions and destiny and can act despite past circumstances. In other words, free will states that human actions are unpredictable. Many philosophers state that determinism can be a potential threat to the free will concept because it undermines the basic notions of the theory (Vaughn, 2021). Consequently, these two terms cannot be proven 100% as philosophic approaches, and the debates over them will continue.
There are two different points of view regarding the concept of determinism and free will. Everything you do is predictable to those who know you well. This predictability means choices beyond your control determine your life (Paraphrase from Vaughn, p.268).
The second view is “He sat a long time, and he thought about his life and how little of it he could have foreseen, and he wondered for all his will and all his intent how much of it was his doing.”— Cormac McCarthy (reprinted in Vaughn, p.265). It is vital to analyze both perceptions and understand the peculiarities of each.
Comparing these two opinions, one should say that both are partially true. In the first case, the people with whom one communicates closely know one’s character and habits and, therefore, can construct a particular vision of one’s actions. In the second situation, one highlights the complexity and unpredictability of the person’s thoughts and actions, which are difficult even for themselves.
However, sticking to the second opinion for a particular reason is important. Notably, every person has secrets and thoughts they will never tell others. One notion says that we are all actors in the theater, and life is a scene. Consequently, a person’s actions cannot be fully predicted and determined, even considering them from the perspective of their closest friends or relatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to highlight the difference between the two philosophical views. Determinism and free will are controversial perceptions of human actions and their causes. However, while considering the notion of determinism, it is essential to state two facts. First, actions, feelings, and thoughts define people’s behavior. Second, one should remember the complexity and ambiguity of human personalities.
Reference
Vaughn. (2021). Philosophy Here and Now: Powerful Ideas in Everyday Life. Oxford University Press.