All About Free Will

In 'Freedom of the Will,' Jonathan Edwards delves into the philosophical and theological debates surrounding free will, determinism, and moral agency. He critiques the Arminian notion of libertarian freedom, arguing that every act of the will has a cause and that true freedom consists in acting according to one's own choice without external constraint, rather than in an indifferent or self-determining will. Edwards defends the Calvinist view, using biblical and philosophical arguments to explain concepts such as moral necessity, natural necessity, and the connection between the will and the understanding. The book is known for its rigorous philosophical reasoning and detailed explanations of complex theological issues.

Martin Luther's "Bondage of the Will" is a theological treatise defending his doctrine of justification by faith alone against the views of Erasmus of Rotterdam.

In 'Free Will,' Sam Harris argues that the concept of free will is inherently flawed and incoherent. He contends that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are determined by prior causes outside our conscious control, whether these causes are deterministic or the result of chance. Harris uses examples such as the Cheshire murders to illustrate how even heinous crimes can be seen as the product of uncontrollable experiences and neurological mechanisms, rather than free will. The book challenges readers to reconsider their views on morality, law, and personal responsibility in light of this understanding.