Does free will exist?

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Does free will exist? 'Tis a question fraught with ponderous thought and deep consideration. To some, 'tis a matter of faith, and to others, a matter of philosophy. To me, 'tis a matter of both. I have pondered this question for many a day and night, and yet I find myself evermore confounded. For if free will exists, then we have the power to choose our own destiny, yet if it does not, then we are but vessels of fate, powerless to steer our own course.

Ah, but I find myself in a quandary, for I am both a man of faith, and a man of reason. I can find no answer that satisfies me, and so I must rely upon a third option. If free will does exist, then I must use it to choose my own path. But if it does not, then I must accept my fate and hope for the best.

And so I can offer but one conclusion to this great conundrum: Does free will exist? I cannot say for certain, but I do know that I have some say in the matter. So, I shall exercise my free will, however small it may be, and take the path that I deem best. That is the only answer I can give.