The determinism vs free will debate revolves around the question of whether human actions and choices are determined by external factors or if individuals possess the ability to act freely and make choices independent of external influences. This debate has been a subject of philosophical, scientific, and theological discussions throughout history. There are generally two opposing positions in this debate:
Determinism: Determinism argues that all events, including human actions and choices, are causally determined by antecedent factors such as genetics, environment, upbringing, and past events. According to determinists, every action or decision has a cause, and if we had complete knowledge of all relevant factors, we could predict and explain human behavior with precision. Some forms of determinism, such as causal determinism, propose that the entire universe operates according to a chain of cause-and-effect events, leaving no room for genuine free will.
Free will: The concept of free will asserts that individuals have the capacity to make choices that are not completely determined by external factors. Advocates of free will argue that humans possess agency and can consciously deliberate among options, make decisions, and act upon them without being solely driven by prior causes. They believe that individuals have the ability to act autonomously and are morally responsible for their choices and actions.
It's worth noting that the determinism vs free will debate is complex and multifaceted, and various nuanced positions exist within each perspective. Some philosophers propose compatibilism, which suggests that determinism and free will can coexist by redefining or reconciling the notions of causality and freedom. Others argue for different forms of determinism or different conceptions of free will. The debate continues to be a topic of exploration and discussion in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and other fields, with no consensus reached thus far.