Are the choices we make truly our own, or are they shaped by unseen forces? The debate over free will is one of philosophy’s most fascinating and enduring puzzles. Philosophers such as Descartes, Hume, and Spinoza have pondered for centuries whether we shape our own fates or follow a predetermined path.

On one side of the debate, proponents of determinism argue that every action is shaped by prior causes. Factors like our biology, upbringing, and surroundings heavily influence, if not dictate, our decisions. Philosophers like Spinoza viewed free will as an illusion, contending that we’re driven by laws of nature just like falling leaves or ocean tides. While this viewpoint questions personal responsibility, it provides a compelling framework for understanding human actions.

On the philosophy other hand, proponents of free will, such as Sartre, insist on our absolute freedom. He famously declared, “Man is condemned to be free,” emphasising the responsibility that comes with our ability to choose. Whether you lean towards determinism or free will, delving into this debate reveals profound insights into the human condition. This exploration compels us to reflect on the extent of our autonomy and how we balance the interplay of choice and destiny.