Will - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Will: ostensibly a simple verb, it belies its profound and intricate role as the engine of human action, the architect of intention, and perhaps, the very essence of individual existence, standing between us and nothingness. This entry aims to explore the complexities behind this elusive concept. Is it merely a function of biological determinism, or something else altogether?
The earliest documented grappling with Will stretches back to ancient Greece, featuring prominently in the works of Plato and Aristotle. These philosophers contemplated the role of human agency in shaping moral character, setting a stage for the great ideas in moral philosophy. Medieval theologians such as Augustine of Hippo further explored Will as a faculty intertwined with divine grace, setting the stage for debates central to ethics, particularly concerning free will and determinism. Relevant icons from these periods include Aristotle, Augustine, and later, Thomas Aquinas. With the scientific revolution, early modern thinkers like Rene Descartes identified Will as a distinct faculty, particularly relevant in the field of epistemology.
As perspectives evolved, Will became fertile ground for philosophical inquiry. Immanuel Kant, in his Critique of Practical Reason, posited the categorical imperative, a moral law dictated by the rational will, influencing the field of deontology. Arthur Schopenhauer, conversely, saw Will as a blind, irrational force driving all existence, a perspective that resonated with proponents of existentialism. Friedrich Nietzsche proclaimed the "Will to Power" as the fundamental driving force of life, contributing to conversations on meta-ethics. Modern moral psychology incorporates cognitive research and thought experiments, such as the trolley problem, to understand the mechanisms and biases influencing volitional choices, relevant to the study of cognitive bias. This rich intellectual tradition includes figures such as Kant, Nietzsche, William James, and later, John Searle, whose contributions span experimental philosophy and the philosophy of mind.
Today, Will continues to intrigue and challenge our understanding of ourselves. Its interpretation ranges from a neurochemical process defined by cognitive science of morality to a fundamental expression of human freedom, prompting questions about moral responsibility and the future of ethics in AI. Contemporary debates include the compatibility of free will with modern neuroscience (compatibilism), and the extent to which external factors shape volitional decisions, particularly relevant in political philosophy and ethics. Does Will represent an absolute power, an illusion, or a spectrum of possibilities, and to what extent do moral and ethical obligations depend on the answer to this crucial question?