Blog #6: Fate versus Free Will- Cole Guinther

Fate versus free has been a common argument that we've discussed in class, but something I also think about in my own life very often. By definition, fate is the development of events beyond one's control, basically stating that "whatever happens is meant to happen". On the other hand, free will is defined as the ability to choose one's own decision and circumstances without the influence of a higher power controlling one's actions. Overall, the choice of choosing one of these sides over the other will completely shift the perspective that a person views their own life. Considering that there is little to no way to completely determine if we actually do have free will or if everything that happens is because of fate, the uncertainty can either help or harm one's own decision-making abilities in their life.

As I thought about this more in depth, I've come to realize that although I used to believe that things happen because of fate, I now view decisions as free will rather than out of control. For example, considering how some people's lives get cut short early in their lives (like babies in childbirth), I feel that humans aren't fated to live for such a short period of time- their "fate" can be determined by the decisions of other humans instead of a supernatural force. Therefore, if a human's decisions can direct the lives of another human, I believe that free will would become the more valid explanation.

 If there's another aspect of fate that can explain this though, I wonder how it can justify an example like this. Additionally, I believe that following a mindset of free will is more ethical in the way that it holds humans accountable for their own decisions, rather than blaming it on a supernatural influence.


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