Does Free Will Exist?
Free will can be defined in many different ways. Free will is the belief that everyone has the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one’s own discretion. Some believe free will does not exist as they are constrained by rules and laws. There are many reasons as to why people believe in free will or why they don’t. I believe that free will does exist. Although we do have certain laws and rules put in place, everyone is still free to do whatever they want. They are responsible for what actions are or are not made. Sometimes their choices may have consequences, but that does not mean they did not have free will. Being disciplined or punished for something does not mean you are not making your own decisions. Everyone is responsible for their decisions and if some of those decisions happen to break laws, then yes you can be punished for them. You chose to commit this knowing it was a crime and so on. You had free will to choose whether or not you wanted to do it.
Sometimes the choices made may result in consequences, but that choice was still made willingly. Having to deal with consequences for your actions does not mean there is no free will. Everyone can choose whether or not to follow the rules and expectations given to them or stray away and find their own path. Free will means nothing is done against your wishes, but it was your own choice. A few examples could include driving under the influence, murder, or stealing. These are known crimes, yet people will continue to commit them. Even normalized things such as going over the speed limit or drinking underage are still illegal. People have free will to decide whether or not they want to participate in these activities. While some people may not get caught and don’t have to deal with the consequences, they still committed crimes willingly. This is proof of free will as you had the choice not to commit these crimes. There is no justifying these crimes either, as they can end fatally and put other people in danger. These actions were decided before they occured. There are many different examples that show that free will exists. Another example could be deciding to show up to class or not. Despite attendance, you are the one who ultimately decides if you want to show up or not. It is of your own free will that you decide to complete your schoolwork and show up for class.
We are responsible and in control for decisions made on a daily basis. You cannot blame ‘evil’ for your doings. Although evil does exist in this world, you are still fully capable of determining what is right from wrong. No evil can be blamed for any of your decisions, as you still have free will to decide to follow through or not. While some people will blame astrology, evil, or a million other things for their actions, no decisions are out of their free will. As you know right from wrong, you know even when you are mad what is illegal and what is not. Everyone has free will and should have to take responsibility for their actions.
