Do We Really Have a Free Will or Are Our Actions Predetermined?

Have you ever wondered whether our actions and thoughts are a representation of random happening events or if we are truly free in making decisions of our own free will?

Numerous times, we had the chance spoken to us by our closest relatives to hear about our similarities with our parents in the way we look, act and make decisions. If we dig a little deeper, there are not many counterarguments for our own defense, when it comes to that topic.

It is true –  we are inherently defined by our ancestors and the genes they transferred to us. It will be so with our own children and the children of their children and so on throughout each and everyone’s family tree. Forever. No exceptions.

So now that we have the clear picture of the inevitable basis for every being that ever existed and ever will exist – we can try to interpret the delicate question of the term free will – the evidence or the possible lack of it. Our DNA strand, in each and every cell in our body, acts as a base for our formation into a living being.

Recent studies reveal that the DNA strand can be manipulated and changed by the outside influence. Basically, it acts as a receiver so we can speculate that among various factors of influence – even our actions can affect the changes in our DNA structure.

Thus, we are faced with the consequences of our actions and even our very thoughts, that drive our passing days, created by our own free will. How does it affect us? How does it change us?

How can it possibly transform our inner being? Our essence.

Are our actions and thoughts, for that matter, a representation of random happening events or are we truly free in making decisions of our own free will? Many have questioned and have been obsessed with this dilemma.

If our decision making is indeed influenced by predetermined events, then it is true and we do not have free will. This is known as determinism. Determinism is the philosophical position that for every event, including human interactions, there exist conditions that could cause no other event.

However, if the exact opposite is correct, then our actions are indeed random – which is defined as indeterminism. Indeterminism is the concept that events (certain events, or events of certain types) are not caused, or not caused deterministically (cf. causality) by prior events.

So we find ourselves in a bind. How are we to draw conclusions and at what point could we provide a solution that would benefit us in the best way possible?

We could approach this problem from various perspectives in order to understand it the best way possible. Many religions point out that all our actions are predetermined and that it is for the best not to try to control those future events that have not yet happened.

I can colorfully call this “go with the flow” way of going through life. Ever heard of “Que Sera, Sera” – Whatever will be, will be? A vivid example of this point of view.

If we are indeed of control, then we must raise a question. Who is truly in control and to what reasons and benefits. Ego comes to mind as an answer.

Another view is based on quantum mechanics. This scientific theory suggests that we live in a universe based on probability and thus explains that every action represents the impossibility of determinism.