Chapter 1: The Intricacies of Free Will

What decisions do you make?

Recent findings in neurology indicate that before we consciously decide, our bodies initiate a series of electromagnetic and motor responses to carry out that “choice.” Our past experiences also play a significant role; for instance, your dislike for Brussels sprouts may stem from a childhood incident, such as a painful memory tied to them.

Despite this, I believe we possess a degree of free will, which holds significance for various reasons. If individuals felt they had no control over their fate, religious beliefs would take on a drastically different character. While many are born into specific faiths, conversions do occur. Take Christianity, for instance; one must actively choose salvation through a savior.

In Islam, the focus shifts to devotion rather than a savior figure. Buddhism advocates for the acceptance of life's inherent suffering and detachment from material desires. Life is not solely about suffering, but rather, suffering is a universal experience.

Religions also present choices regarding sexuality, relationships, and cultural practices. Do we have the freedom to express ourselves without using harmful language? In the context of choosing between red or blue, certain decisions might seem predetermined based on our backgrounds. Nevertheless, that doesn’t eliminate the existence of choice altogether.

For example, when given a free toothbrush at the dentist, you may choose between a red or blue one. I've opted for red in some cases and blue in others, illustrating that the decision can be devoid of deep psychological implications. Often, these choices represent a simple preference rather than a reflection of our desires for power or calmness.

We likely have more choices in life than we consciously acknowledge. We can decide to walk around the block now or delay it for twenty minutes. The seat we choose in a theater or whether we answer a call immediately are also matters of choice. These instances suggest that genuine free will exists in scenarios where stakes are low.

However, significant life decisions often feel influenced by our subconscious beliefs, biases, and societal expectations.

Thoughts about choice shape our decisions.

The effort we invest in contemplating our choices can also influence our sense of free will. On one hand, new information can seem to dictate our will; on the other, it may simply guide us gently toward a different choice.

Consider the pivotal issue of “the right to life versus the right to choose.” These topics are deeply affected by surrounding opinions and necessitate a thorough understanding of the latest insights from science, biology, and social justice.

For instance, merely adopting the mindset of “reduce plastic use” can alter your purchasing habits, demonstrating that our sense of free will can evolve with new information that provides a broader perspective.

Until we acquire significantly more information, it seems rational to regard free will as existing along a spectrum. Similar to the range of light waves, from gamma rays to radio waves, there are aspects of free will that we can perceive and others that remain invisible to us. Ultimately, some factors are within our control, while others are beyond our influence.

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