Question

1 Are people good or evil by nature? why?

2 Do humans have free will? why?

best answer ​

Answer 1

Questions on whether people are inherently good or evil and the existence of free will delve into complex philosophical discussions involving morality, determinism, and theology. They involve analyzing human behavior within the context of philosophical positions, such as Socrates' belief in wrongful actions as a result of ignorance. Debates surrounding free will also engage with the conflict between determinism and the potential influence of an omnipotent deity on human decisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question of whether people are good or evil by nature and whether humans have free will are age-old philosophical inquiries. These questions delve deep into the concepts of morality, ethics, and determinism, often discussed in the realms of philosophy, ethics, and religion.

Socrates, a classical Greek philosopher, believed that individuals do not consciously choose to do evil. According to him, evil actions result from ignorance; if one knew what the right thing to do was, one would do it. This perspective implies that humans always choose what they perceive as the best, which could mean that individuals who commit what society deems as wrong might simply be mistaken in their understanding of good versus evil. Thus, they require education and guidance to see their misconceptions and correct their ways.

Regarding free will, it's debated whether all our actions are determined by a combination of our biology, experiences, and societal constraints or whether we have the autonomy to make genuine choices unaffected by these factors. This leads to complex ethical considerations concerning responsibility and accountability, especially when addressing human behavior and crime.

Free will and determinism often conflict when considering the role of an all-powerful, all-knowing deity. If such a deity exists, it raises questions about the nature of evil and the extent to which humans are free to make choices, especially if those choices contribute to moral evil. Different philosophical and theological arguments attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with the characteristics of an omnipotent and benevolent deity, suggesting that free will may be a necessary component for moral responsibility.

Answer 2

1. Whether humans are born good or evil has been debated by philosophers for centuries. Aristotle argued that morality is learned, and that we're born as “amoral creatures” while Sigmund Freud considered new-borns a moral blank slate.

As the saying goes " “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” — Plato.

2.According to John Martin Fischer, human agents do not have free will, but they are still morally responsible for their choices and actions. In a nutshell, Fischer thinks that the kind of control needed for moral responsibility is weaker than the kind of control needed for free will.

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