Final answer:
The capacity to make decisions and choose among alternatives implies the existence of free will, impacting our perceived sense of control over our lives. However, the debate between free will and determinism raises questions about the true extent of our autonomy and how this affects our accountability and belief in fate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it is said that we can make decisions and choose among alternatives, it means we are believed to possess free will, and the ability to act at our discretion. This concept ties closely with our sense of control over our lives, suggesting that through our choices, we shape our destiny and take responsibility for our actions. However, this notion is counterbalanced by the perspectives of determinism, which posits that all events, including moral choices, are determined by previously existing causes.
The debate often arises regarding the extent of our freedom. Are we completely autonomous, or are we influenced by a mixture of social constructs, personal history, and various environmental factors? This dichotomy between free will and determinism leads to profound implications in ethics, responsibility, and the justice system.
The argument revolves around whether humans can make a choice that is not fully determined by antecedent circumstances. If not entirely free, our perceived sense of control may be an illusion shaped by these very conditions, ultimately questioning our accountability and the notion of fate. Thus, understanding the relationship between our decision-making capabilities and our control over life is a foundational aspect of exploring human freedom.