At this meetup, we dive into one of the oldest and most difficult questions in philosophy: Do we truly choose our actions—or are we just playing out a script written by biology, environment, and causality?
On one side lies free will—the belief that we are autonomous agents, capable of making real choices. On the other, determinism—the idea that everything we do is the inevitable result of prior causes, from neurons firing to childhood experiences.
If determinism is true, does that make morality, responsibility, and even regret obsolete?
If free will is real, how does it stand up against everything we’ve learned from neuroscience, psychology, and physics?
And most importantly:
How does your belief—whichever way you lean—shape the way you live your life?
Discussion Questions
- If our choices are shaped by genetics, upbringing, and environment… what part of them is truly ours?
Can you separate yourself from your influences? If not, is “you” just the sum of those forces?
- Can we hold people morally responsible if their actions were determined?
Think of someone who hurt you—or someone you admire. Would your judgment change if you believed they had no real control?
- Does believing in free will change how you act?
Would you make different choices—or take more ownership—if you believed everything wasn’t already set in motion?
- Is it possible that free will and determinism can coexist?
Some argue for “compatibilism”—the idea that choice exists within constraints. Does that resonate with you, or is it just a philosophical cop-out?
