Free will

Definition

Free will is the ability of individuals to make choices and decisions independent of external forces or divine predetermination. This concept raises important questions about moral responsibility, as it suggests that people have the power to act according to their own desires and reasoning rather than being controlled by fate or a higher power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Paradise Lost', Milton presents free will as a crucial aspect of humanity's nature, allowing individuals to choose between good and evil.
2. The character of Satan exemplifies free will by making conscious choices that lead to his rebellion against God, emphasizing the consequences of such decisions.
3. Milton argues that true freedom comes from obedience to God’s will, suggesting that free will should align with divine purpose.
4. Eve's choice to eat the forbidden fruit illustrates the complexities of free will, revealing both her autonomy and the repercussions of her actions on humanity.
5. The theological implications of free will in 'Paradise Lost' raise questions about accountability and the nature of sin within the context of biblical mythology.

Review Questions

• How does Milton's portrayal of free will in 'Paradise Lost' differ from the concept of determinism?
  • Milton's portrayal of free will emphasizes that individuals have the power to make choices independently, contrasting with determinism, which suggests all actions are predetermined. In 'Paradise Lost', characters like Adam and Eve exercise their free will to choose obedience or rebellion, highlighting their moral agency. This choice is pivotal as it underscores the theme that while divine influence exists, humans possess the capability to act upon their desires.
• Analyze how the theme of free will relates to the characters’ moral decisions in 'Paradise Lost'.
  • In 'Paradise Lost', free will is intrinsically tied to the moral decisions made by characters like Adam, Eve, and Satan. Each character faces choices that reflect their understanding of good and evil. Satan's decision to rebel against God showcases a misuse of free will leading to his fall, while Adam and Eve’s choice to disobey God highlights both their freedom and the severe consequences of their actions. These moral dilemmas illustrate the weight of exercising free will within the framework of biblical morality.
• Evaluate the implications of free will on the concept of sin as presented in 'Paradise Lost', particularly in relation to predestination.
  • In 'Paradise Lost', free will plays a critical role in understanding sin and its consequences, especially when contrasted with predestination. Milton presents free will as essential for moral responsibility; if individuals are not free to choose, they cannot be held accountable for sin. This tension raises profound theological questions about whether divine foreknowledge negates human freedom. By emphasizing that humanity's fall stems from their use of free will, Milton suggests that while God may know the outcomes, individuals still bear responsibility for their choices, thereby maintaining a balance between divine sovereignty and human agency.

Related terms

Determinism: The philosophical view that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will.

Predestination: The theological doctrine that God has eternally chosen those who will be saved and those who will be damned, often seen in contrast to the concept of free will.

Moral Responsibility: The status of morally deserving praise or blame for an action, which is often linked to the capacity of an individual to exercise free will.