Free will vs Pre-determined

[soulfulmusing]

How much of free will do we truly have? Or is every action pre-determined?

It’s often said that some of the bigger events such as birth, death, ailments, family, success or failure are pre-determined while other events are on the basis of free-will.

But if we look at those big events, they are the result of a series of actions and unless those actions happen, the pre-determined event can’t take place. So, isn’t those series of actions also pre-determined to lead to that bigger event?

Originally Posted by soulfulmusing

How much of free will do we truly have? Or is every action pre-determined?

It’s often said that some of the bigger events such as birth, death, ailments, family, success or failure are pre-determined while other events are on the basis of free-will.

But if we look at those big events, they are the result of a series of actions and unless those actions happen, the pre-determined event can’t take place. So, isn’t those series of actions also pre-determined to lead to that bigger event?

Can the universe we experience be fully deterministic and yet we can have free will at the same time?

[HITESH SHAH]

Originally Posted by soulfulmusing

How much of free will do we truly have? Or is every action pre-determined?

It’s often said that some of the bigger events such as birth, death, ailments, family, success or failure are pre-determined while other events are on the basis of free-will.

But if we look at those big events, they are the result of a series of actions and unless those actions happen, the pre-determined event can’t take place. So, isn’t those series of actions also pre-determined to lead to that bigger event?

Hi ,

Indian scriptures believe the God is everywhere and its in us also .
So everything happens as per God - whose will is expressed through / present in each one of us living beings in the universe and actual actions happens on the basis of dynamics of such wills of all living beings Including us . There is limited free will by which we can exercise in matters in our life especially the one's concerning us .

[JosephineB]

"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both. Maybe both is happenin' at the same time." - Forrest Gump

Not a clue - Me

[soulfulmusing]

Originally Posted by ketzer

Can the universe we experience be fully deterministic and yet we can have free will at the same time?

That is one of the possibilities I am thinking of.

[soulfulmusing]

Originally Posted by HITESH SHAH

Hi ,

Indian scriptures believe the God is everywhere and its in us also .
So everything happens as per God - whose will is expressed through / present in each one of us living beings in the universe and actual actions happens on the basis of dynamics of such wills of all living beings Including us . There is limited free will by which we can exercise in matters in our life especially the one's concerning us .

Okay. So, it seems like our free will is only limited to our inner world and actions. We cannot determine our birth, death, family or even relationships. Our success and failure is largely dependent on the society as well due the dynamics of all living beings. And it seems like I can focus on my karmas and knowing myself - now how much of it is conditioned, I still don't know.

[soulfulmusing]

Originally Posted by JosephineBloggs

"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both. Maybe both is happenin' at the same time." - Forrest Gump

Not a clue - Me

If we think of advaita vedanta, or non-duality, then it makes sense that both are happening at the same time, as there is no difference between us and the Universe.

Here's how I see it.

Without realization - The only meaningful free will is whether or not to loose the second arrow.

With realization - Free will in the above sense is a non-factor when there is only freedom.

Originally Posted by soulfulmusing

That is one of the possibilities I am thinking of.

Well then, Forest was right. I think that perhaps everything that happens not only was predetermined to do so, but had already happened, in fact it has always been so and always will be so. It doesn't just happen, it is eternally happening. That said, everything that we experience is something we have freely chosen.

.

[inavalan]

Originally Posted by soulfulmusing

How much of free will do we truly have? Or is every action pre-determined?

It’s often said that some of the bigger events such as birth, death, ailments, family, success or failure are pre-determined while other events are on the basis of free-will.

But if we look at those big events, they are the result of a series of actions and unless those actions happen, the pre-determined event can’t take place. So, isn’t those series of actions also pre-determined to lead to that bigger event?

Free-will. Nothing is predetermined.

On the other hand, if you don't exercise your free-will, you'll just react to what others, more assertive, do.

All those "big events" you mentioned reflect your conscious and unconscious beliefs, as well as your thoughts and emotions.