Final answer:
The philosophical debate on whether we control our thoughts or if they are determined by prior events is complex, with arguments supporting both the concept of free will and determinism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand deals deeply with the philosophical concept of free will and whether we control the thoughts that occupy our mind. The belief that we are at liberty to choose our thoughts and by extension, take responsibility for them, is one stance within this debate. This is contrasted by the argument that our thoughts may be products of our environment and prior events which we cannot control.
Philosophical positions on this matter range broadly. Some assert the responsibility and autonomy of individuals, which fits with the idea that we can control the thoughts in our heads. Others suggest determinism, where prior events influence one's current state so that one cannot genuinely decide otherwise. While both perspectives have their merits, the question has not been definitively settled and remains a subject of discussion in philosophy, ethics, and cognitive science.