The basic idea about this argument is that, since our actions are determined by our desires in which we can’t control, we do not have free will. My aim for this paper, is not to refute the argument but prove that our actions are not only solely based on desires. In §1 of the paper, I will present the argument and its premises. In §2, I will critically assess the argument. Lastly, in §3 I will address the various objections that arises against my criticism.
Free will is not contingently absent but rather it is merely impossible because a person action is control by their desires. Therefore, one can never act freely because one have no control over one’s desires. This can be reconstructed into indented premises as follow:
- (DA1) what you choose to do is always determined by your desires
- (DA2) you can’t control your desires
- (DA3) so what you choose to do is always determined by something you can’t control
- (DA4) if so then you never act freely
- (DA5) so you never act freely
Most of us are certain that we have free-will because the majority of the time it seems like we are paving our own path and choosing our own actions; however, this is false. Every part of our actions are determined by our desires. To fully understand this argument, we have to understand the meaning of desire. Desire is what drives our actions; it is a strong feeling that we evoke when we want or wish to have something. I am not writing this paper to disapprove this argument, instead, my goal for this paper is to critically access the premises within this argument and prove that desires, along with nature and nurture responses are the motivations behind our everyday actions.
Section 2: Nature and nurture
I will now present my standpoint on the argument. I agree with the conclusion that we never act freely however, I do not think that all our actions are driven by only desires. I will break this section down into two categories: nurture and nature. First I will address the issue of nurture then, I will talk about nature and how it affects our ability to act freely.
Our biological needs is a factor that drives us to act a certain way. Sensation of thirst and hunger can dominate our thoughts and take control of our actions. These are essentials that we have completely no control over. In fact, it is our brain is transmitting messages to our body to ensure that our body is getting enough nutrients. When you drink or eat, you are acting based on your body demands and needs not your own. For examples, even before babies can speak and is allow to make their own decisions, they have biological drives that need to be fulfilled. Babies tend to cry and make a fuss when they are hungry or thirsty until they are fed. Same with us, we seek for food and drink when we are placed under the same condition. This proves that our actions are not control by us, instead it is subconsciously being control by our body and the body, therefore, we have no free-will. Drives like the urge to sleep, are also controlled by a small portion of the brain called the hypothalamus. All these together just proves how the brain controls our most basic drives and not necessarily our desires.
The second argument that I will be making in support of the first, because they both goes hand in hand, is the fact that nature also influences our actions. We live in a society where reputation and how other people perceives us is such a huge thing. Everyone needs to have a specific reputation in able to thrive in this world and to achieve that ultimate goal, it takes multiple steps. You need to fit into the social norm so you are not the oddball in the crowd and by doing so, you need to dress a certain way and have certain products. For example, if a new iphone comes out, you need to get a somewhat up to date or the latest version. You don’t want to be the person with the old nokia flip phone because it proves to society that you are not powerful. This can be perceived as a desire because you want the latest phone so you can conform but in reality, you are proving to society that you have the money, and if you have money, you gain more respect in society. It is no longer a want but a need to survive in this world. You keep acquiring things that you think you desire but in fact it is all an ultimate goal to get you to the top and succeed.
Section 3: Rebuttals against my argument
In this section of the paper, I will address how someone with an opposing view would critically respond to my arguments. The first way someone can deny this approach is by saying that the nature stance falls under the same category as desire. If we were to look at the examples of iphones and fitting into the social norms, it would definitely fall under the same category as needs and our needs is the desires that we ultimately cannot control. If we see someone with a new phone, then we want to update to the latest version because we want to fit in not because we need it. Wanting to fit in is a desire, therefore, the argument is invalid.
My response to this criticism is that the needs for acceptance is a basic human instinct. Conforming to society is a norm that bonds people together and we seek that similarity in others around us in order to feel secure and recognized. The way we present ourselves in society is what people perceives of us; this is how you survive in society. Money and good reputation is what get you through life, therefore, conforming to society is not considered a desire, it is an essential to get you through life.
Another way someone can respond is by bringing up the topic of charity. When someone does an act of kindness and donate to a charity, it is a desire that they have to present themselves as a good person. Although it is true that the idea of being a good person can be the drive to doing charity, we cannot automatically connect it with desires. Yes, it is true that people have selfish motives when it comes to charity work and it is mainly to make themselves feel good. However, this also goes back to the past argument section of my paper. By doing charity work, they are creating a good reputation for themselves. By doing so, this will leave a good impression to those around them and society. Charity also builds connection and this is how someone can be successful in life. This is the ultimate goal that mostly everyone strive to achieve. Overall, our actions are not solely driven by desires; rather they are driven nature, nurture and desires.
