Are we free to choose or are our actions pre-determined?
Not what you're looking for?
1. Are we free to do anything or are our actions pre-determined? Why?
Complete freedom is pretty much non-existent. We are dependent on food, shelter and air. We depend on others to meet certain needs we have. Some things in life are pre-determined for us without our consent. For example, we are born in the nation where our mother goes into labor. We have no choice over that. If your parents are Americans who serve in the military and you are born in Germany, you cannot become the President of the United States because you were not born in America. This has been pre-determined for you. The socio-economic start that you have in life is pre-determined. One's early years are typically pre-determined by one's parents or guardians and the schooling and socialization one receives as a child and through adolescence will play a large part in how they develop as adults and the opportunities they will be exposed to.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
This is a discussion regarding personal freedoms. Does true freedom of choice exist or are our choices and actions pre-determined by fate or God? Why is the concept of freedom so important in Western society? Over 800 words of original text based on the source The Big Questions by Robert Solomon.
Solution Preview
1. Are we free to do anything or are our actions pre-determined? Why?
Complete freedom is pretty much non-existent. We are dependent on food, shelter and air. We depend on others to meet certain needs we have. Some things in life are pre-determined for us without our consent. For example, we are born in the nation where our mother goes into labor. We have no choice over that. If your parents are Americans who serve in the military and you are born in Germany, you cannot become the President of the United States because you were not born in America. This has been pre-determined for you. The socio-economic start that you have in life is pre-determined. One's early years are typically pre-determined by one's parents or guardians and the schooling and socialization one receives as a child and through adolescence will play a large part in how they develop as adults and the opportunities they will be exposed to.
However, there does come a point when I become an adult where I am free to make my own decisions. This freedom means that I am not being coerced or forced in any way. This does not mean that there are no consequences for my decision. ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy
Short quiz relating to Descartes
The World Health Organization
This quiz assesses the students knowledge about the World Health Organization. Although listed under “Philosophy” it is relevant to health care, political science, pre-med, and social scientist students as well.