The article “Human Freedom and the Self” by Roderick Chisholm offers a meaningful idea to many Christian believers. The author believes that “determinism is something incompatible with a person’s free will” (Pojman and Vaughn 71). Although human beings have “free will”, they should be responsible for their ideas and actions. According to the essay, human actions should not depend on certain events or ideas. That being the case, human actions and events will always arise from previous experiences.
This fact explains why such actions cannot occur naturally or by chance. This fact explains why certain issues will encourage individuals to act in a particular manner. That being the case, the idea of agent-causation is undeniable because human actions do not result from “free will”. A sense of determinism does not dictate various human actions and events. Human beings do not always use their desires and beliefs to dictate their actions.
The author argues that “an action can result from free will if only an individual acts depending on choices that do not arise from other happenings” (Pojman and Vaughn 78). Human beings will act in a specific manner without necessarily engaging in other actions. Human actions will therefore result from different aspects or events.
This fact explains why human beings cannot act mainly from “free will”. This description explains “how different agents will result in specific actions” (Pojman and Vaughn 82). This knowledge explains why human actions are not consistent with the concept of determinism. I have therefore learned a major idea from Roderick Chisholm’s article. According to the author, human actions do not depend on determinism or “free will”.
How this Idea has Challenged Me to Think Differently about My Worldview and Values
I have gained new ideas that can make me a useful person in the society. The concept of determinism explains how different individuals act in a specific manner. Many Christians have a clear understanding of their beliefs and values. They have also used such beliefs and ideas in order to dictate their actions. The same development occurs when individuals justify their reasons for committing certain offenses.
However, the article explores the relationship between human actions and determinism. This notion encourages more people to take charge of their thoughts and actions. This approach will support the needs and expectations of many people in the universe (Pojman and Vaughn 83).
I will use the ideas presented in this article to make appropriate decisions. I will use this idea in order to promote the best actions. This knowledge and approach is necessary because human beings have “free will”. However, such “free will” should not always dictate our ideas or actions.
The above idea encourages human beings to take charge of their actions. Human beings should therefore engage in the best practices without considering their past experiences. This fact explains why the author believes strongly that free will and determinism are incompatible in nature. This knowledge has made it easier for me to view the world from all dimensions. Human beings should consider their values and beliefs.
They should also examine the nature of the universe in order to produce the most desirable actions (Pojman and Vaughn 87). This new idea has changed my view of the universe. We should therefore use our experiences in order to engage in acceptable behaviors. This approach will encourage me to change my actions. This practice will result in the most desirable outcomes. This practice will definitely make the world a better place for every person.
Works Cited
Pojman, Louis, and Lewis Vaughn. Philosophy: The Quest for Truth. London: Oxford University Press, 2004. Print.