intro to philosophy: the power of free will

About this course

Free will is the notion that we can make choices and decisions without being limited by external factors or deterministic forces. It suggests that humans are free to act following their own rationality, desires, or moral considerations, without divine intervention or predetermined outcomes. The concept of free will is at the center of philosophical, religious, and psychological debates. It investigates the extent to which individuals are truly autonomous in their actions. Insightfully, it brings up issues about moral obligation: assuming we have freedom, would we say we are responsible for our decisions? Or can we shift the blame to heredity and environment? From a psychological point of view, our sense of agency and personal identity are influenced by free will. Because people believe that they are actively shaping their own lives, believing in free will can help them become more self-assured and motivated. On the other hand, challenges to free will can elicit existential doubts regarding the validity of individual choices and human agency. I used to think the question of free will existing was obvious - that we of course have free will, but diving deeper really stretched my mind. I hope this course will challenge your thinking as it did for me.

Course objectives

• Explore major debates surrounding free will in philosophy, religion, and psychology
• Critically evaluate the consequences of free will theories for moral obligation
• Reflect on personal beliefs about autonomy and their practical effects