Determinism vs. Free Will

At first glance, determinism makes a lot of scientific sense. Everything has a cause and an effect, right? All our choices are constrained by internal (biological) and external forces over which we have no control. Right?

Max Plank made a strong argument when he wrote: How can the independence of human volition be harmonized with the fact that we are integral parts of a universe which is subject to the rigid order of nature’s laws?

Geesh. How can you argue with that? We are balls in the ping pong game of life. Right?

It’s just that my instincts scream against this position. I feel free. I can adjust my attitude. I choose it.

But I am privileged. My basic needs are met. My brain functions reasonably well. My closest relationship for forty years was to a man who at every turn made me believe in myself.

My experience is just that—only my experience. Not everyone can free themselves from the causal influences of past events. But that some can is evidence in favour of free will. Right?

Or was the can-do or the can’t-do hardwired into the DNA?

But each of us is unique! There is no-one like me, or you, or any other. Hey Mr. Plank, harmonize that!

I think determinism rubs me the wrong way because it takes away hope. I am big on hope. Where did my predisposition to hopefulness come from? Was I born with the mindset to never give up? Did I learn it? Or do I just have a strong survival instinct?

And personal responsibility can only be a thing if there is such a thing as free will.

I dunno. Gotta think more about it. What do you think?