IndexIntroductionFree WillDeterminismCompatibilismConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionIn the journey of life, human beings often find themselves grappling with a range of emotions such as remorse and denial after making questionable decisions. The question that arises is whether these emotional responses are justified. This investigation builds on the debate between free will and determinism, asking whether humans truly have control over their actions or whether they are simply following a predetermined path. This topic is not only of philosophical interest but also has significance in religious teachings that explore human consciousness and predestination. This essay seeks to delve deeper into the definitions of free will and determinism, present arguments for and against each concept, and consider the possibility of compatibilism. It assumes that, although free will and determinism can coexist, they cannot be fully embraced simultaneously. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Free Will The concept of free will has intrigued philosophers throughout history. Fundamentally, free will refers to an individual's ability to make decisions without external constraints, uninfluenced by necessity or fate. Philosophers such as Plato viewed free will as a form of self-mastery, allowing individuals to control their passions and desires. Philo of Alexandria believed that free will distinguished humans from animals, residing in the soul. Kant associated free will with morality, suggesting that individuals who act in accordance with true morality exercise genuine free will. Despite different perspectives, philosophers have often linked free will to ethics and the fight against corruption. Some philosophers have defended free will through various arguments. Descartes, in his "Fourth Meditation", argued that the ability to make mistakes demonstrated the existence of free will, since God would not deceive individuals by creating them with faulty judgment. However, contemporary scientific debates have questioned the notion of free will, suggesting that neural activity precedes conscious effort, undermining the idea of ​​true action. Genetic studies have also hinted at the influence of genes on intelligence and behavior, raising questions about the extent of human autonomy. Determinism In contrast to free will, determinism assumes that every event is causally determined by previous events, denying the idea of ​​free choice. Ancient philosophers such as Democritus and Leucippus were among the first determinists, arguing that nothing happens by chance but by necessity. Modern thinkers such as Schopenhauer argued that individual actions are predetermined reactions to stimuli, denying the existence of free will. Religious teachings often align with determinism, attributing events to divine providence and predestination. Critics of determinism, such as Van Inwagen, have highlighted its inconsistency with moral responsibility. According to Van Inwagen, if all actions are predetermined, individuals cannot be held responsible for immoral behavior, since their actions are dictated by external forces. This raises doubts about the moral implications of determinism and calls into question its compatibility with human ethics. Compatibilism Faced with the dichotomy between free will and determinism, some philosophers have proposed compatibilism as a middle ground. Compatibilism suggests that free will and determinism, 2017.