free will
The concept of 'free will' is central to debates about human agency, moral responsibility, and the influence of external factors on decision-making.
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Definition
C1Philosophy
(academic, formal)The ability to make choices that are not entirely determined by external factors or prior events.
Example
- Philosophers have long debated whether free will can exist in a deterministic universe.
C1Ethics
(academic, formal)The capacity to act voluntarily, making one accountable for their actions.
Example
- Moral responsibility often hinges on the assumption of free will.
C1Psychology
(academic, formal)The perceived ability to make decisions that align with one's own desires, values, and intentions.
Example
- Studies in psychology explore how much free will influences our behavior.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "free will":
free worldat willright to choosefree spiritfree variableat libertyfree rein