Hybrid theory between freewill and determinism

[Rev. Rye]

Personally, I think we have free will, but people really have to learn to use it. Indeed, I suspect that the majority of people at any given point haven't figured out how to do it.

Before we say we have it, we should probably define it.

My definition: Free will is the capacity to express one's nature in decision-making, without undue compulsion or impediment from factors outside the self.


I like this definition, because it works for determinist world views as well as dualistic, spiritual or religious ones.  Definitions like  "The capacity to have done other than one has chosen to do," i.e. that the self is somehow above or outside causality, are BS in my opinion.  You only need the capacity for truly multiple actions if you are truly of a divided nature.

I'd personally define it as the ability to act beyond one's own biological programming or social conditioning, like someone raised in an abusive environment choosing to embrace a kinder way of living, or someone with a mental illness taking steps (usually through therapy) to overcome the symptoms of their illness.

Needless to say, my understanding of Free Will is closer to Erickson than Aquinas.