Final answer:
Humans are influenced by social life, but still possess agency, which allows for independent decision-making. Socialization is a lifelong process, and while it influences behavior, it doesn't fully determine it. Philosophy suggests that humans are free beings, capable of choices that reflect their projections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that individuals are fully determined by social life and are not capable of agency raises essential questions about the relationship between society and individual personal decisions. The notion of agency acknowledges that while humans are deeply influenced by the social structures and norms around them, they are also capable of making choices and acting independently. Our decisions, like the decision to marry in the United States, are not solely determined by our individual desires; they are also influenced by social norms and expectations. However, socialization, as part of human experience, is not a static process but a dynamic lifelong journey that begins in childhood and continues throughout life. This ongoing socialization affects, but does not wholly determine, our actions and decisions.
Philosophers like Nietzsche argued for human freedom and self-determinism, suggesting that people are free to become what they project and that each person has the capacity to make choices. Meanwhile, anthropology recognizes that powerful institutions have an impact on individuals but also emphasizes the role of agency in this interaction. The arguments about human nature and agency suggest that even though children and other individuals may not always act as fully functioning rational agents, they still possess inherent value.
In conclusion, while social life has a significant influence on individual choices, it does not completely negate the ability of an individual to exercise agency. This is especially apparent when considering weak social ties or the lack of social control, which further illustrates the importance of individual choices in contexts where societal norms might be less influential.