Is Free Will an Illusion?

Define free will by comparing it with determinism and indeterminism, explaining its significance in philosophy, ethics, and psychology.

Trace the historical views on free will from ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Plato, through the medieval views of Augustine and Aquinas, up to modern thinkers like Kant and Sartre.

Explore the concept of determinism, where every event is determined by preceding events, and how it challenges the notion of free will, citing philosophers like Spinoza and Hume.

Introduce indeterminism, which proposes that not all events are determined and explore randomness. Discuss quantum mechanics and its implications on free will.

Delve into compatibilism, which claims that free will and determinism can coexist, highlighting views from philosophers like Daniel Dennett and Harry Frankfurt.

Examine findings from neuroscience that challenge traditional notions of free will, discussing brain scanning technologies and studies that indicate unconscious decision-making.

Analyze how psychology fits into debates about free will, including theories like self-determination theory, the role of autonomy, and the impact of social and environmental factors on decision-making.

Discuss the implications of free will on moral responsibility, considering concepts of accountability and justice in legal contexts.

Explore different cultural and religious beliefs regarding free will, including perspectives from Christianity, Buddhism, and existentialism.

Sum up the arguments and implications discussed, highlighting the ongoing philosophical debate on free will and its relevance in the modern world, and propose areas for future research.