Why the Will Is Not Free

A visual map of the Beingist argument that people make choices, but do not possess free will in the deeper sense of being ultimately self-caused.

This map corresponds to the essays Why the Will Is Not Free and Why Is Compassion Rational?.

Axiom

Implication

Conclusion

We always do what we most want.

Even when we do things we "don't want to do," these are still our over-riding wants.

We can't control what we most want.

While we can try to change our desires, we have no control over our desire to change our desires!

The will is not free

You can't control what you want. You always do what you want. So you don't control what you do!

This map does not deny that people deliberate, make decisions, or act according to their own motives. It distinguishes ordinary choice from ultimate free will. People choose, but their choices arise from a character, history, and set of circumstances they did not ultimately create.

Want to ask a question, or challenge an axiom/implication/conclusion? Visit the discussion page.