What’s the difference between an “external” force and an “internal” force in compatibilism?

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

In grappling with the question of the distinction between an "external" force and an "internal" force in the context of compatibilism, one must delve into the complex interplay of manifold influences that shape the human will. Compatibilism, synonymous with soft determinism, posits the notion that free will and determinism can coexist within a unified framework. Accordingly, the analysis of external and internal forces becomes crucial, as it offers invaluable insight into the extent to which individuals can exercise autonomous choice in a world governed by causal chains.

To embark on this philosophical journey, we must delve deep into the fundamental nature of human agency. The external forces, as the term suggests, tend to originate from without, permeating the individual's domain through stimuli and external coercion. Society, culture, upbringing, familial ties, and social expectations all wield tremendous influence over the human psyche, shaping beliefs, preferences, and even the manner in which choices are perceived. These forces impinge upon the individual, leaving indelible imprints that may manifest in the conscious and unconscious realm, directing and constraining the choices one makes.

On the other hand, internal forces are the product of our own complex cognitive and emotional machinery. These forces emanate from within, residing deep within the recesses of our being. They encompass our desires, passions, personal values, and convictions, which bear profound significance in the decision-making processes. However, it is essential to acknowledge that these internal forces are not disembodied entities existing in isolation. Rather, they emerge from or are influenced by external forces, initiating a perpetual dance between what is external and what is internal.

In the realm of compatibilism, discerning the demarcation between external and internal forces is a complex task, as the two entwined aspects of human experience interact in a dialectical dance. To assert that a force is entirely internal or external would be to neglect the intricacies of this interaction. The external informs the internal, just as the internal is shaped by the external. Our desires and values, however personal they may feel, are undeniably entwined with the external world, for we are social beings interwoven within a complex web of relationships and interactions.

Hence, it becomes evident that the distinction between external and internal forces is blurred, if not altogether illusory. The simultaneity of the external and internal renders them inseparable, each relying on the other for existence and influence. An external force, when absorbed by the individual, becomes internalized, while internal forces are often shaped and affected by external conditions. The ceaseless interplay of these forces fosters a constantly evolving tapestry of the self, perpetually influenced by external and internal stimuli, yet never fully reducible to either.

In the eternal quest to understand and dissect the enigma of human agency within the framework of compatibilism, we are compelled to abandon the search for absolute divisions and fixed boundaries between external and internal forces. Instead, we must embrace their intertwined nature, acknowledging the fluidity and dynamism inherent in their relationship. It is the intermingling, the subtle interplay, and the eternal dance between the external and internal forces that grants human agency its immense complexity and enigmatic nature. We, as seekers of truth, must recognize the profound implications of this entanglement, for it is within the fluidity of forces that the sheer beauty and tragedy of human existence unveil themselves.