Is Free Will Real or Just an Illusion?

Three and a half months ago, I ordered Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace as part of my Audible membership. Yesterday, I finally finished reading this behemoth of a book. A book that swept me into the grandeur of 19th-century Russia and the complex lives of its characters. It’s a story rich with history, love, and philosophy, but what truly lingered with me was Tolstoy’s exploration of free will.

As I turned the final pages, I pondered the same questions Tolstoy raised: Are we truly the authors of our own lives, or are our choices subtly guided—perhaps even constrained—by history, circumstance, and fate? This question has long captivated philosophers, theologians, and writers, and it felt only natural to dive deeper.

In this blog, I’ll explore the concept of free will through the lens of philosophy, literature, and religion, drawing not only from Tolstoy’s masterpiece but also from other thinkers and storytellers who have wrestled with this timeless debate.

What Is Free Will?

At its core, free will is the idea that we have the capacity to make choices independently of external or internal constraints. It is the sense that, even in a world full of influences and pressures, there exists a part of us that can decide, act, and shape our own path. However, as Tolstoy so beautifully illustrates in War and Peace, this sense of agency is often entangled with forces beyond our control, so if these are forces beyond our control, do we have free will?

The Argument for Free Will: Are We Truly Free to Choose?

1. Philosophical Perspectives

Philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre have long argued that free will is an essential part of human existence. Sartre, an existentialist, believed that while life presents us with circumstances, it is our choices that define who we become. His idea of “existence precedes essence” suggests that no matter where we start, our decisions continually shape our identity.

Immanuel Kant also reinforces this idea by linking free will to morality. He argues that true moral responsibility can only exist if individuals have the freedom to choose between right and wrong. Without free will, concepts such as accountability and justice would lose their meaning.

2. Personal Stories: Finding Freedom in Adversity

The concept of free will is not just a philosophical debate—it also finds resonance in real-life stories. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning recounts his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. Despite the extreme limitations imposed upon him, Frankl discovered an inner freedom: the ability to choose his response to his suffering. His story is a powerful reminder that even when external freedoms are stripped away, our internal choices remain profoundly significant.

3. Tolstoy’s Characters and Free Will

In War and Peace, Tolstoy masterfully explores free will through his characters. Pierre Bezukhov, for example, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, often caught between the tides of history and his own desire for meaning. His evolution—from a passive inheritor of wealth to an active seeker of purpose—illustrates how individuals can exercise free will even in the face of societal pressures. Tolstoy paints a picture where human choice, while often influenced by circumstance, is not entirely overshadowed by it.

The Argument Against Free Will: Are Our Choices Pre-Determined?

1. Determinism: The Case for Fate

While the concept of free will is compelling, determinism offers a different perspective. Philosophical determinism suggests that every action, including human decisions, is the inevitable result of preceding events. Baruch Spinoza proposed that our sense of freedom might be an illusion, as we often act based on influences we do not fully understand.

Arthur Schopenhauer expands on this by suggesting, “Man can do what he wills, but he cannot will what he wills.” According to this view, while we may feel we are making independent choices, our desires and motivations are often shaped by factors beyond our control, such as biology, upbringing, and environment.

2. The Role of Neuroscience

Modern neuroscience adds another layer to this discussion. Studies by Benjamin Libet in the 1980s revealed that the brain initiates decisions milliseconds before we become consciously aware of them. These findings suggest that our sense of consciously choosing might occur after the decision-making process has already begun at a subconscious level, challenging traditional notions of free will.

3. Tolstoy’s Deterministic Lens

Returning to War and Peace, Tolstoy doesn’t shy away from the idea of determinism. In his exploration of history, particularly through the Napoleonic Wars, he argues that individual actions are often overshadowed by broader historical forces. Through characters like Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and his reflections on the battlefield, Tolstoy suggests that while humans strive to make choices, history often steers the outcomes, making free will feel like a limited force against the tide of destiny.

Religious Perspectives: Between Divine Will and Human Agency

1. Christianity: God’s Plan and Free Will

Christianity offers a nuanced take on free will. While scriptures often emphasise surrendering to God’s will (“Thy will be done”), there is also a strong belief in the gift of free will. The story of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus raises profound questions. Was his act predestined, or did he choose his path freely? Many Christian scholars argue that while God’s omniscience includes knowing our choices, this does not negate our freedom to make them.

2. Islamic Views: Navigating Destiny and Choice

Islam also balances the concepts of free will and predestination through Qadar. While God’s knowledge encompasses all events, humans are still responsible for their actions. This perspective maintains that while the destination may be known to God, the path taken is shaped by human choices, offering a harmonious view of divine omniscience and human agency.

3. Eastern Philosophies: Karma and Free Will

In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma plays a significant role in understanding free will. Actions influence future experiences, suggesting a form of determinism. However, both traditions also emphasise mindfulness and intention, proposing that conscious choices within the bounds of karma reflect a nuanced version of free will.

Conclusion: Walking the Line Between Freedom and Fate

Reflecting on War and Peace and the broader discussion of free will, I find myself somewhere in the middle. Perhaps life is a tapestry woven with both choice and destiny, where our actions are threads influenced by many hands—our own included.

While we may not have complete control over every aspect of our lives, recognising the freedom we do have—no matter how subtle—can empower us to live more intentionally. Whether or not free will is absolute, living as though our choices matter might be the truest expression of freedom we can achieve.

What about you? Do you see yourself as a free agent in your life’s story, or do you feel guided by forces beyond your control? I’d love to hear your thoughts.