# Free will The idea that beings have the ability to make free choices and decisions without being determined. There might be influences by external factors or forces (e.g. environment, genetics), yet humans have to capacity to act independently and exercise their own agency. This idea implies personal accountability and responsibility for one’s actions. Whether the idea of free will is true is a topic discussed in philosophy, religion and science. --- Personally, I do believe (and want to believe) the idea of free will to be true. But based on which grounds? Still exploring this topic. ## Positions [[Kant1724-1804|Kant]] argues, that free will is possible. %% on free will pro free will contra free will free will free will pro free will contra free will context free will literature This is a topic of [[philosophy]]. Which branch of philosophy? – [[ethics]], among others. ## Related [[capital punishment]] – is it justified when there is no free will? From: [[will]] Related: [[be free]] >The opposite of free will is not determinism but compulsion. – Joscha Bach (im Podcast mit Lex Fridman, gehört am [[2023-08-04]]) Sam Harris in *Free Will*: One fact now seems indisputable: Some moments before you are aware of what you will do next-a time in which you subjectively appear to have complete freedom to behave however you please-your brain has already determined what you will do. You then become conscious of this "decision" and believe that you are in the process of making it. My thought: Yes BUT my brain is part of me, is my landlord, so to speak; I identify with my brain and the decisions it makes. Isn’t that a sign of mental health? And can’t I train my brain consciously to tend to certain decisions pre-consciously?