free will

/'fri:'wi:l/

Thân thiện

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies: The philosophical concept of the ability to choose, think, and act voluntarily, based on one's own discretion, without being forced by fate, divine power, or other external determinants.

Usage

• As a noun: "Free will" is typically used as an uncountable noun. It often appears in philosophical, theological, and ethical discussions about human agency, responsibility, and determinism.
• Common structures: , , .

Examples

• Noun:
  • She left the company of her own free will. (She voluntarily decided to leave; no one forced her.)
  • The debate centers on whether humans truly have free will or if our actions are predetermined.
  • He exercises his free will in every decision, large or small.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical/Technical Context: In philosophy, "free will" is often contrasted with determinism or divine predestination.
  • The compatibilist argues that free will is compatible with causal determinism.
• Legal/Formal Context: Used to indicate voluntary action without coercion.
  • The defendant participated in the study of his own free will and with informed consent.

Variants and Related Words

• Free-will (adjective, often hyphenated): Describes something done by or involving free will.
  • It was a free-will offering to the charity. (A voluntary donation.)
• Will (noun): The faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action. (Note: This is a related but broader term.)

Synonyms

• Volition: The faculty or power of using one's will.
• Autonomy: Self-directing freedom and especially moral independence.
• Self-determination: The process by which a person controls their own life.

Antonyms

• Determinism: The doctrine that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will.
• Coercion: The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
• Compulsion: The action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Of one's own free will: Voluntarily; without being forced.
  • I came here of my own free will; no one made me.
• A triumph of free will: An achievement seen as resulting from a person's conscious choice and effort against odds.
  • His recovery was less about medicine and more a triumph of free will.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies

Từ đồng nghĩa

• discretion