Name : Priyanka Prakash Londhe
Class : SYBA - HISTORY Div : B
Roll.no : 230286
Subject : Philosophy (minor)
THE DELUSION OF FREE WILL
- ROBERT BLATCHFORD
Robert Blatchford contends that humans are not truly free to
choose between right and wrong Robert Blatchford contends that
humans are not truly free to choose between right and wrong
because their decisions are influenced by external factors such as
upbringing, environment, and societal conditioning. He dismisses
the idea of conscience as an innate guide to morality, asserting that
it is merely a reflection of learned lessons. The text emphasizes
that the central question is not whether humans act freely but what
causes them to make specific choices, undermining the notion of
autonomous free will. Blatchford contends that humans are not
truly free to choose between right and wrong because their
decisions are influenced by external factors such as upbringing,
environment, and societal conditioning. He dismisses the idea of
conscience as an innate guide to morality, asserting that it is merely
a reflection of learned lessons. The text emphasizes that the central
question is not whether humans act freely but what causes them to
make specific choices, undermining the notion of autonomous free
will. their decisions are influenced by external factors such as
upbringing, environment, and societal conditioning. He dismisses
the idea of conscience as an innate guide to morality, asserting that
it is merely a reflection of learned lessons. The text emphasizes
that the central question is not whether humans act freely but what
causes them to make specific choices, undermining the notion of
autonomous free will.
The text explores the concept of free will, arguing that an
individual’s choices are influenced by heredity and environment
rather than being entirely free. Examples include a sportsman
versus a humanitarian, where their actions are shaped by their
upbringing and temperament. It also uses scenarios, such as a
fisherman losing the will to fish and a girl choosing duty over
personal desire, to illustrate how environment and inherent nature
dictate actions. The discussion emphasizes that decisions often
result from the stronger of two conflicting influences—either nature
or nurture—suggesting that true free will may be an illusion.
The page continues to argue against the concept of free will, stating
that while people appear to make choices, their decisions are
ultimately determined by heredity and environment. Examples, such
as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, highlight how ambition or external
influences overpower conscience, leaving little room for genuine
choice.
The text emphasizes that decisions stem from the stronger force—
either nature or nurture—and suggests that even actions like
sobriety or theft are predictable under specific conditions. It
concludes that free will is an illusion, as individuals’ actions are
shaped by their upbringing and circumstances, which can be
foreseen with enough knowledge of their environment and heredity.
The page discusses how individual choices, such as drinking or
smoking, are influenced by environment and training rather than
free will. The example of Robinson refusing a second drink but
taking a cigarette is contrasted with Williams, who continues
drinking. These actions are explained as being determined by their
respective upbringing, knowledge, and internalized values, not by
free will.
The text concludes that free will is irrelevant in these scenarios.
Both Robinson and Williams act according to their training and
environment. It highlights the role of good upbringing and
environment in shaping moral behavior and questions whether free
will truly exists when individuals are shaped by external
factors.This page critiques the idea that people inherently “know
better” when they act against societal norms or moral teachings. It
argues that true knowledge requires belief, not just hearing or
being told something. For instance, a person like Jones cannot be
said to “know” something is wrong unless he genuinely believes it.
The author highlights the limits of belief, stating that a person
cannot believe what they are incapable of reasoning or accepting as
true, no matter the pressure or punishment. Conviction comes
through reason, not coercion. The text condemns intolerance and
violence stemming from the expectation that everyone should
believe the same truths. It concludes that belief is a deeply
personal process that cannot be forced and that individuals die
holding beliefs shaped by their own reason and experiences.
