Do humans have free will, or is every action predetermined?

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By Ramone Misfit on August 5 2024

Do humans have free will, or is every action predetermined?

Black and white cat on bed sheets watercolor

Ghost and Boo woke up to a lazy morning, stretching in their favorite sunny spot by the window. After their usual breakfast of their favorite cat food, they decided to take a casual stroll through town to see what the day would bring.

Their first stop was the town’s fish market. The air was filled with the scent of fresh seafood, and the cats wandered through the stalls, their noses twitching with excitement. Fishmongers greeted them with smiles and a few offered small scraps, which Ghost and Boo eagerly accepted. They observed the people haggling over prices and the efficient way the market operated.

Next, they made their way to the lively downtown area. A street musician was playing the violin, and a crowd had gathered to listen. Ghost and Boo found a comfortable spot nearby and sat down, their tails flicking in time with the music. They watched as people dropped coins into the musician’s case, some pausing to enjoy the performance, others hurrying past with busy expressions.

After the music ended, they continued their stroll and explored the local antique stores. The shops were filled with fascinating objects from different eras: old clocks, ornate jewelry, vintage books, and more. Ghost and Boo weaved through the aisles, their eyes wide with curiosity. They couldn’t understand the significance of these items, but they sensed the history and stories each one held.

Their exploration took them to several quaint cafes, where they watched humans sipping coffee and chatting animatedly. Ghost and Boo observed the variety of interactions, from friends laughing together to people engrossed in their work. They noted the different emotions displayed: joy, concentration, and even the occasional frown of frustration.

Black cat and white cat watercolor

As the afternoon turned into evening, they decided to take a peaceful stroll through the nearby woods. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the forest floor was dappled with the last rays of sunlight. Ghost and Boo enjoyed the tranquility of the woods, their ears perking up at the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.

As they walked, a deep thought seemed to pass between them, leading to a philosophical debate.

“Ghost,” Boo seemed to ask through his thoughtful purring, “do you think humans have free will, or is everything they do predetermined?”

Ghost paused, his blue eyes reflecting the fading light. “That’s a difficult question, Boo. Sometimes, it seems like people make choices freely, but other times, their actions seem influenced by so many factors.”

Boo nodded. “Like at the fish market. The people there seemed driven by habit and necessity, haggling for the best price. It was almost like they were on autopilot.”

“Exactly,” Ghost agreed. “But then we saw the street musician. Playing the violin seemed like a conscious choice, driven by passion rather than necessity.”

“But even passion can be influenced,” Boo countered. “Maybe something in his past led him to love music. Was it really his choice, or a result of his experiences?”

Ghost flicked his tail thoughtfully. “It’s true. Our observations today showed a mix of both. People in the antique stores were drawn to certain items, perhaps by memories or emotions tied to their past.”

“And in the cafes,” Boo continued, “we saw people making decisions—whether to work, to socialize, to enjoy a quiet moment. But even those choices could be influenced by their surroundings or their mood at the time.”

White cat blue eyes watercolor close up

“So maybe it’s not one or the other,” Ghost mused. “Maybe free will and determinism coexist. People have the capacity to make choices, but those choices are shaped by a myriad of factors—past experiences, environment, even biology.”

Boo’s yellow eyes glinted in agreement. “That makes sense. It’s like the people we saw at the fish market, driven by immediate needs, and the musician, driven by a deeper passion. Both are making choices, but those choices are influenced by different factors.”

Ghost nodded. “And in a way, we’re the same. We choose to explore, to observe, to help others, but our decisions are influenced by our own experiences and instincts.”

As they made their way home, climbing up to the rooftops to avoid the hectic evening traffic below, the city lights twinkled in the growing darkness. They found a comfortable spot to rest and continued their discussion.

“You know, Boo,” Ghost said, “our day was filled with observing humans and their behaviors. It makes you appreciate the complexity of their lives.”

“Absolutely,” Boo agreed. “And it reminds us to be grateful for our own lives, with all its simplicity and freedom.”

As they curled up in their cozy beds, they felt a sense of contentment from their day’s adventures and their deep philosophical discussion. Ghost and Boo knew that while the question of free will versus determinism might never be fully answered, the journey of exploring such questions was itself a rewarding and enriching experience.

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Ramone Misfit is my pen name as an author, writer, and musician. I write this blog with the goal to raise funds so that I can achieve freedom to play music every day! When you support me it helps me care for my family, cats, and it allows me to get closer to fulfilling my goal one day at a time. Thank you for visiting my site!

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