Free will

Definition

Free will is the ability of individuals to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or divine intervention. It plays a crucial role in understanding human agency, moral responsibility, and the nature of sin, particularly within religious contexts. The concept challenges notions of predestination and fate, emphasizing personal choice and accountability, which are central to various literary and philosophical discussions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Paradise Lost,' Milton explores free will through the characters of Adam and Eve, showcasing their ability to choose obedience or disobedience to God.
2. Milton presents free will as a gift from God that enables humans to choose their paths, which is significant for moral accountability.
3. The tension between free will and divine foreknowledge is a recurring theme in Milton's works, raising questions about how both can coexist.
4. In 'Paradise Regained,' the idea of free will is pivotal as Christ faces temptations, illustrating the struggle between obedience to God and personal desires.
5. Samson Agonistes reflects on the tragic consequences of misused free will, emphasizing how personal choices can lead to downfall and suffering.

Review Questions

• How does Milton illustrate the concept of free will through the characters of Adam and Eve in 'Paradise Lost'?
  • In 'Paradise Lost,' Milton illustrates free will through Adam and Eve's capacity to choose between obedience to God and succumbing to temptation. Their decision to eat from the forbidden tree demonstrates how free will leads to significant consequences, including their fall from grace. This narrative emphasizes that while they had the freedom to choose, their choices ultimately resulted in loss and suffering.
• Discuss the relationship between free will and moral responsibility as portrayed in Milton's works.
  • Milton portrays free will as fundamental to moral responsibility in his writings. Characters are held accountable for their actions because they possess the ability to choose. In both 'Paradise Lost' and 'Samson Agonistes,' the implications of their choices reflect the idea that individuals must bear the consequences of their decisions. This relationship highlights the importance of personal agency in ethical considerations.
• Analyze how the theme of free will impacts the narrative structure and character development in 'Paradise Regained' and 'Samson Agonistes'.
  • In 'Paradise Regained,' free will shapes Christ's journey as he confronts temptations that test his resolve and obedience to God's will. The emphasis on choice adds depth to his character, showcasing his moral strength. Similarly, in 'Samson Agonistes,' Samson's tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of how misuse of free will can lead to dire consequences. Both narratives illustrate that characters' development hinges on their exercise of free will, reinforcing its central role in shaping their destinies.

Related terms

Predestination: The doctrine that all events, including human actions, are established or determined by divine will, raising questions about the existence of free will.

Moral Responsibility: The status of being accountable for one's actions, particularly in a moral context, which hinges on the existence of free will.

Agency: The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, closely linked to the concept of free will.