Free Will
It is believed that people’s behavior is largely determined by forces not of their own making. To examine this premise, we need to first identify the major factors which determine behavior. These are genes, environment, and mind. The genetic material we inherit is completely out of our control and plays a major part in deciding who we are. Our environment is also largely out of our control, although we do interact with it, and in the process change it. Our mind is the most nebulous factor. Science can deal with the brain, but the mind, which by virtue of being conscious, defies the limits of our double-blind experiments. We need to examine how these forces interact, and see what agency, if any, they leave us for navigating our lives.
First, and perhaps the most transparent element which is not under our volition, is our genes. They determine our raw physical and mental capabilities, which in turn, will lead us to choose our careers and hobbies. Athletes have unusual physiques, strength, and speed. The keenness of our senses is also a function of our genes. Golfers have an extraordinary sense of touch. Exceptional hearing and voice are assets for musicians and singers, as is sight for painters. Rare mental skills open up avenues in a variety of fields. At a more subtle level, our hormonal make-up, which determines our temperament, is also dependent on our genes. Granted, many could have these traits, but not choose to develop them, but still, winning the genetic lottery is a prerequisite.
This brings us to the role of the environment. The latest thinking is that even though we cannot change our genes, we can influence how they manifest themselves. For example, identical twins can grow up to be of different heights. One could have been subject to disease and malnutrition and hence ended up being shorter. They could also have different personalities. Our hormonal make-up is not static. It is influenced by our diet and our experiences. Someone who has faced abuse is likely to exhibit more fear and anger. In contrast, someone who had a nurturing and engaging upbringing will have more confidence and trust.
Further, while the environment plays an important role in developing our personality, the way we react to the things which happen to us is of no less important. When faced with wrong-doing, one person may react with anger and seek revenge, thus exacerbating the problem. On the other hand, another might take a more lenient approach and pardon the offence, thus minimizing its impact. Similarly, when faced with a string of misfortunes, one person might get disheartened and give up, and just live with lower expectations. The exact same circumstances might prod a more tenacious person to redouble their effort and try again and again, learning from past mistakes, and improving until achieving success.
With this in mind, let us examine the role of free will. One may argue that every atom in our body is subject to the unyielding laws of physics. How then could we possibly have free will? Add to this the fact that every atom outside our body follows those same laws, accounting for the influences of our environment. And yet, our experience tells us that we do have volition. All aspects of our society assume that we do. This includes not just the law, but also things like religion. Some might extend this argument to advocate that instead of punishing errant individuals, we should focus on educating them and providing them with better opportunities. Opponents of this way of thinking point out that under those same circumstances, a large majority of others behave in a much more positive manner, and that rewarding bad behavior is counterproductive.
At any rate, the role of the mind needs further scrutiny. Although we have no control on our genes, and limited control on our environment, we do have some control over our minds. We all get a good number of random thoughts every minute. This is something which is not under our direct control. However, we can decide what to do with a thought once it occurs. We can choose which ones to pursue, and which ones to gently set aside. The thoughts we decide to focus on more will change the mix of thoughts that come to us randomly. The ones we choose to dwell on will occur more often than the ones we ignore. Thoughts lead to action. Repeated actions become habits. Our habits build our character, which in turn determines our destiny. Yet, the fact remains that most of us are not even aware of what we think about. How then can we control our destiny by deciding what to focus on?
To that end, self-awareness is the answer, and it is a skill which can be developed through training. It has been scientifically verified that practices such as meditation increase the size of the frontal cortex which is active in self-control and decision-making. It also shrinks the amygdala and that makes us less prone to unthinking emotional reactions. It is true that most people do not do anything to increase self-awareness. They do not even know that such a thing is possible. You can go through your entire life, simply reacting to situations, and never pausing to think and examine what you are doing. Perhaps this is what Socrates meant when he said that an unexamined life is not worth living.
In summary, there is a strong case for the notion that our behavior is mostly determined by forces outside of our control. This is true for our genes, and to a lesser extent, for our environment. The argument that we are simply automatons can only be challenged by examining the workings of our minds. Understanding the role of self-awareness and how it can be developed gives us control over our behavior.