Where there is a will, there is a choice
The concept of free-will is a fallacy. In reality man is offered no choice in most of the situations
"Man is born free, but everywhere he is in fetters"- this statement has served to represent the sympathy expressed by several philosophers for the apparent helplessness of Man in deciding the course of his life. The concept of Man's bondage has long been the theme of epics, and great works of art. The very fact that he cannot exercise control on the vagaries of nature has often led Man to think that he is not the true master of his destiny.
Often, we are confronted by situations where no real choice is manifest, and decisions have to be made taking into account the demands of family, society and nation rather than out of one's own volition. The role of circumstances in determining one's fortune cannot be underestimated. Unrestrained exercise of free will to a large extent remains a myth.
On the other hand, it is necessary to understand that the conflict of interest between Man and society itself presents Man with a very important choice; he can either choose to tread the beaten track or venture to cut his own path. But whichever path he chooses to tread, there can be no escape from the consequences of his actions. Man's refusal to be held accountable for his actions is the offshoot of the skepticism that has crept into Man's thinking owing to excessive self-sympathy; Man is so taken in by the concept of fallacy of free-will that he attempts to vindicate himself of all sins by shifting blame to vicissitudes of life. This attitude is highly detrimental to the progress of mankind, and must be banished from Man's memory in the interest of society.
The very definition of free-will depends on the perception of the individual. The undeniable truth is that Man is presented with choice at every stage of his life, although his current choice might influence the choices presented to him in the future to a large extent. In the interest of the nation, every individual must be made to face accountability for his actions and receive the consequent reward or punishment without shifting blame on factors beyond him.
Often, we are confronted by situations where no real choice is manifest, and decisions have to be made taking into account the demands of family, society and nation rather than out of one's own volition. The role of circumstances in determining one's fortune cannot be underestimated. Unrestrained exercise of free will to a large extent remains a myth.
On the other hand, it is necessary to understand that the conflict of interest between Man and society itself presents Man with a very important choice; he can either choose to tread the beaten track or venture to cut his own path. But whichever path he chooses to tread, there can be no escape from the consequences of his actions. Man's refusal to be held accountable for his actions is the offshoot of the skepticism that has crept into Man's thinking owing to excessive self-sympathy; Man is so taken in by the concept of fallacy of free-will that he attempts to vindicate himself of all sins by shifting blame to vicissitudes of life. This attitude is highly detrimental to the progress of mankind, and must be banished from Man's memory in the interest of society.
The very definition of free-will depends on the perception of the individual. The undeniable truth is that Man is presented with choice at every stage of his life, although his current choice might influence the choices presented to him in the future to a large extent. In the interest of the nation, every individual must be made to face accountability for his actions and receive the consequent reward or punishment without shifting blame on factors beyond him.
posted by venki at 10:19 PM
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