Determinism is the idea that the past entails one unique future according to the laws of nature. Free will refers to our ability to exercise control over our actions. There is a tension between these two ideas. Because if the past determines a single future, then it will also determine our actions. Conversely, if we are truly free to choose between different courses of action, then the future cannot be uniquely determined. Philosophers have been wrestling with this tension for millennia.
But why bother? Why should we want to rescue free will from the jaws of determinism? Well, without free will, there can be no such thing as moral responsibility. That is, unless we have control over our actions, we cannot be held responsible for our actions.
Still, why bother? What’s so important about moral responsibility? Well, without responsibility, there is no basis for praise or blame.
Still, why bother?! What’s so important about praise and blame? Well, we are vain creatures, aren’t we? We like the idea that praise might come our way. We are also frightened creatures. We want to be able blame others for their misdeeds. Cast them out! Lock them up! Keep them away!
So, returning to the question of why we should want to save free will from determinism, it is because we are vain and frightened.
Is there an alternative? Yes, there is, but you might not like it. We could simply embrace determinism. But wouldn’t that mean that no one was responsible for anything? That would result in anarchy! It might. It depends on how optimistic you are about human nature (if there is such a thing).
There is another possibility. Determinism might imply that no one is responsible for anything, or it could mean that everyone is responsible for everything! Instead of blaming individuals for their misdeeds, we could arrange society so that those misdeeds never arise. But that sounds like an awful lot of work! It would also mean that individuals couldn’t take credit or be praised for their good deeds. Indeed, those deeds wouldn’t really be theirs at all; they would be everyone’s. This sounds like a slippery slope towards totalitarianism…
So, we wrestle with determinism and free will because we are vain and frightened creatures. Alas, the alternatives are even more frightening! Perhaps it is better to continue wrestling for now.
Does any of this have any bearing whatsoever on moral education? I think so. If vanity and fear are at the root of this existential problem, then moral education should aim to cultivate modesty and courage. Perhaps, then, the paradox would never arise, or at least lose its teeth.
Image: Jacob Wrestles with the Angel (Gen. 32:24-32), by Gustave Doré (1866)
