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Evolution, Agency, and Free Will
The appeal of Mitchell's argument lies in its simplicity, emphasizing that evolution reflects the changing nature of the universe and the persistence of beneficial changes. According to Mitchell, the emergence of life brought about the ability to make meaningful choices, and even single-celled organisms display agency by making choices to survive. As life evolved, so did the level of agency or free will. Humans have an unparalleled capacity to contemplate the consequences of their actions.