Whether you are free to set your own course or you are mere catalysts to predestination has been an age old debate. Various scholars and philosophers like John Calvin have given their own ideas and inputs on the debate if free will exists or not.
Apart from the theological debates, the field of science has equally participated in the debate and performed researched to find the answer to the archaic question. Here is what the scientists from diverse domains have found:-
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This Is What The Neuroscience Has To Say
Neuroscience has been skeptical on the concept of free will. In a revolutionary yet controversial series of experiments performed by the neuroscientist Ben Libet, it was found that our brain tends to make decisions even before we are consciously aware of it. This implies that the idea of free will is just an illusion and our actions are predetermined by our brain.
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What Does Psychology Say About Free Will?
Psychology is of the view that free will does not actually exist and it is only our brain which tricks us into believing that we have free will. The idea was proposed by the psychologists Dan Wegner and Thalia Wheatley after studying if there is a connection between the feeling of doing something and actually doing it. It was found out that it is only our brain which molds the memories of our past experiences and tricks us into believing that we did something because we wanted to.
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Different Views On The Subject In The Field Of Physics
Physicists have different views and interpretations when it comes to the debate of free will. While some physicists put forth the theory that free will exists, others negate the existence of free will. Here is how the two opposing views have been categorized:-
#1. Presentism
This model is based on the theory that past and future only have an existence in our minds, and the one that is only present has a substantial value. Ergo, this theory leaves no room for predestination and confirms the existence of free will.
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#2. Eternalism
This model views the past, present, and future as a dimension and puts forth that everything is pre-destined. This theory states that we are just playing our parts in the structuring and development process of the universe, and are ignorant of the cosmic forces guiding us.
(Image Courtesy: The New Scientist)
Do you believe that free will really exist? We would love to hear from you. Kindly use the comment box to share your thoughts and opinions with us.
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