Free Will vs. Determinism: The Power of Curiosity and Aligning with Your Values
- Dr Kristen Lovric
- Feb 25
- 6 min read
The age-old debate of free will versus determinism has captivated philosophers, psychologists, and thinkers for centuries. On one hand, there’s the idea that we have the power to make choices and shape our destinies, while on the other, there’s the belief that our actions are determined by forces beyond our control—whether that’s genetics, environment, or societal influences.
While this philosophical debate can feel overwhelming at times, understanding these concepts and reflecting on them can have profound implications for how we navigate our lives. In particular, there’s great value in exploring the boundaries of free will—that is, understanding what we can control and making intentional decisions that align with our values—while also acknowledging the reality of determinism and the factors that are beyond our influence.
In this blog, we’ll explore the concepts of free will and determinism, the benefits of exercising free will, and how curiosity can help us make better decisions and live more fulfilling lives—even when some things are outside of our control.
What is Free Will?
Free will is the ability to make choices and decisions independently of external influences. It suggests that we have the power to act based on our own reasoning, desires, and preferences, free from any predetermined outcomes or constraints. This concept implies that individuals can take control of their actions and are responsible for the consequences of those actions.
In many ways, free will is a foundational idea in personal empowerment. When we feel like we have agency and control over our decisions, we’re more likely to pursue goals, take risks, and feel motivated to improve our lives. Free will supports the notion that we can create meaning and purpose through our choices.
What is Determinism?
On the other hand, determinism is the philosophical idea that every event or action, including human decisions, is determined by preceding events or causes. In other words, everything that happens is a result of factors that precede it. These factors could include genetics, environment, upbringing, society, and even unconscious psychological influences. According to this view, we might believe that our sense of "free choice" is actually the result of a complex chain of events over which we have no real control.
For example, your upbringing and early life experiences can shape the way you think, feel, and act. While you may think you’re making a free choice about a certain decision, that choice could be heavily influenced by past experiences, social conditioning, or innate tendencies.
Free Will and Determinism: The Balance Between Control and Constraint
While free will and determinism are often seen as opposites, many modern thinkers believe that both can coexist in a way that influences our behavior. This is where the compatibilist view comes in—the idea that we can have free will within the constraints of determinism. Essentially, our choices may be influenced by past events, but within those constraints, we can still exercise agency.
One way to think about this is like being on a road. While the road may have certain boundaries (such as curves, obstacles, or speed limits that reflect determinism), we still have the ability to choose the speed, direction, and how we drive within those limits (reflecting free will). In life, this means that while some aspects of our experience are influenced by external or internal factors we cannot control, we can still choose how we respond to those influences and make decisions that align with our values.
The Benefits of Exercising Free Will
Even in a world where some things may be determined or beyond our control, exercising our free will can be incredibly beneficial for our personal development and well-being. Here are a few key benefits of intentionally exercising free will:
1. Sense of Control and Empowerment
Exercising free will helps us feel like we have control over our lives, which is crucial for mental health and well-being. When we actively make choices that reflect our values, we feel more empowered and capable. Even if external factors are limiting in some ways, exercising free will allows us to create a sense of agency within the context of our circumstances.
2. Alignment with Core Values
One of the most powerful aspects of free will is the ability to make choices that align with our core values. When we make decisions based on what matters most to us—whether it’s family, health, compassion, or creativity—we experience greater fulfillment and satisfaction. This sense of purpose is closely linked to long-term happiness and mental resilience.
3. Increased Motivation and Personal Growth
When we feel like we have the ability to choose, we’re more likely to stay motivated and work toward goals. Our decisions become active rather than passive, which encourages us to take ownership of our growth. Over time, this can lead to greater self-awareness, personal development, and a deeper connection with who we are.
4. Increased Resilience
Exercising free will is also about embracing the challenges life presents and making decisions that allow us to grow and adapt. When we feel that we have the power to influence our outcomes—even in difficult situations—we are more resilient. We can better manage stress, face adversity, and navigate life's ups and downs with a sense of purpose and determination.
Acknowledging Determinism and Its Impact
While exercising free will offers numerous benefits, it’s equally important to acknowledge the reality of determinism—the factors that are outside of our control. These may include biological influences, trauma, social conditioning, and other environmental forces. Understanding that there are limits to our agency can help us navigate challenges with more compassion and realism.
It’s crucial to recognize that external factors can influence our behavior in profound ways. For example, if someone grew up in an environment that normalized unhealthy coping mechanisms or substance use, it might be more difficult for them to break free from these patterns, even if they want to change. In this context, we can still exercise free will, but it may require more effort, support, and understanding of the constraints at play.
The Concept of Ceiling Effects
In some cases, ceiling effects can occur—when external limitations or deeply ingrained habits restrict our ability to make changes or move forward. For example, if someone faces ongoing socioeconomic challenges, the pressures of daily survival might limit their ability to focus on personal development or change. These constraints are not a reflection of personal failure; rather, they are the ceiling that determinism imposes on our free will.
By acknowledging these limitations, we can approach change with more realistic expectations and self-compassion. Instead of feeling like we’ve failed, we can better appreciate the steps we’re taking, even when those steps feel small.
The Role of Curiosity in Exercising Free Will
Curiosity plays an essential role in navigating the tension between free will and determinism. By being curious about our choices, behaviors, and motivations, we can better understand how determinism is influencing our decisions and where we still have room to exercise free will. Curiosity can also help us uncover new opportunities for growth and self-improvement, even in the face of constraints.
Curiosity invites us to ask:
Why am I making this choice?
What external factors are influencing my decision?
How can I exercise my values even in challenging circumstances?
What are the small changes I can make within my control to align more with my core values?
Being curious about our capacity for free will helps us make intentional decisions while accepting the limitations that come from determinism.
Conclusion
The debate between free will and determinism invites us to reflect on how we navigate our lives, make decisions, and approach challenges. While determinism reminds us that not everything is within our control, free will offers us the power to make choices that align with our values and desires. The key is to approach this dynamic with curiosity—understanding the forces at play in our lives while embracing the areas where we can exercise agency.
By exploring both free will and determinism, we can make more informed choices, develop resilience, and live with greater purpose and alignment with our true selves. Embracing free will, as far as possible, while acknowledging the ceilings of determinism, empowers us to live lives that reflect our values and aspirations.
