4.2 Free Will

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Getting Started

This assignment will further develop your initial discussion in assignment 1.3, Fatalism or Freedom. Now we have the opportunity to debate the theological options for describing the philosophical question of the limitations of our will. This will also depend on our notion of the connection between God’s “fore” knowledge and will. This scenario is based on the apparent paradox of the sovereignty of God and the freedom of humans found in Chapter 10 of the CPJ. Despite the range of approaches in philosophy to the idea of liberty, we have to decide whether to include the belief in God’s sovereignty in our exercise of choices. Are we free to choose anything we want at any time? What limits our sense of choice (including God)?

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Determine the difference between free will and determinism, and compatibility and indeterminism.

· Discuss the difference between the Calvinist-Reformed and Wesleyan-Arminian approach to free will (choice), and their accuracy in interpreting the scriptures.

· Explore the viability of using theology as a starting point to impact philosophy.

· Resources

· Textbook: A Christian Philosophical Journey

· A Standard Translation of the Bible as noted in the syllabus.

· Media: Freedom and Determinism

Instructions

NOTE: You may use the Bible for illustrations in application, but not for final proof (we want to avoid “proof-texting.”). You may also want to try to do the synthesis step by coming up with your own new paradigm for these concept (along with your own illustrations).

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. In your textbook, A Christian Philosophical Journey, review the four approaches to freedom (free will, determinism, indeterminism, and fatalism) in Chapter 10, “Free or Fated?”

3. Optional: View the presentation " Freedom and Determinism "

4. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following: Use the four-step course methodology of understanding, analysis, evaluation, and application. Write a 150- to 200-word description (three to four paragraphs or at least five observations) about the understanding of freedom in philosophy (and theology).

a. Which of the four approaches to freedom do you favor or use in life? Can they all be valid at the same time? Why or why not?

b. Does real freedom really exist? Or are all our choices limited in some way?

c. The Bible says our human will is corrupted because of original sin, so do humans choose God (a logical decision) or does God choose humans (by grace)?

d. What are the main differences between a Calvinist-Reformed and a Wesleyan-Arminian way of thinking on these points?