Freewill: meaning, definitions and examples
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freewill
[ friːwɪl ]
philosophy, choice
Freewill refers to the ability of agents to make choices free from certain constraints. In philosophy, it is often contrasted with determinism, where everything is predetermined by prior causes. The concept plays a significant role in discussions around morality, accountability, and human behavior. Many debates center on whether freewill truly exists or if it is an illusion created by our neurological processes.
Synonyms
autonomy, choice, self-determination, volition
Examples of usage
- She believes in freewill over destiny.
- The debate about freewill vs determinism continues.
- He felt that his freewill guided his decisions.
Translations
Translations of the word "freewill" in other languages:
🇵🇹 livre-arbítrio
🇮🇳 स्वतंत्र इच्छा
🇩🇪 Freier Wille
🇮🇩 kehendak bebas
🇺🇦 вільна воля
🇵🇱 wolna wola
🇯🇵 自由意志
🇫🇷 libre arbitre
🇪🇸 libre albedrío
🇹🇷 özgür irade
🇰🇷 자유 의지
🇸🇦 الإرادة الحرة
🇨🇿 svobodná vůle
🇸🇰 voľná vôľa
🇨🇳 自由意志
🇸🇮 prosta volja
🇮🇸 frjáls vilji
🇰🇿 еркін ерік
🇬🇪 თავისუფალი ნება
🇦🇿 azad iradə
🇲🇽 libre albedrío
Etymology
The term 'freewill' originated from the Old English word 'freo', meaning 'free', and 'will', which comes from the Proto-Germanic *wiljanan, meaning 'to will, wish, or desire'. The concept of freewill has been debated since ancient times, especially in philosophical and theological discussions. Early philosophers like Socrates and Plato pondered the implications of human choice, but it was during the Middle Ages that the term began to take on its modern significance, particularly in relation to moral responsibility. The interplay between freewill and divine Providence became a key area of study among theologians like Augustine and Aquinas. The Enlightenment period saw further exploration of freewill in the context of rational thought and individualism, reshaping cultural attitudes towards autonomy and accountability. In contemporary discussions, the emergence of neuroscience has added a new dimension to the debate, challenging traditional notions of freewill with empirical evidence regarding human cognition and decision-making.