Our genes determine who we are to some degree (appearance etc). Our experiences also go into the determination. Is there anything else? How can there be anything besides the interplay of these two factors? If you were "in someone else's shoes", wouldn't you be in the exact same situation as them and think as they do because you would have the same genes and all of the same life experiences up to that point which is what makes them who they are? How is it possible to somehow break out of our genetic and environmental determinants and claim that we are free?
2007-06-27 13:00:18 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
not really, because all of our actions are within the norms of society. we are influenced by everything around us and restricted by the values, believes of society. therefore really all of our actions have limits to it, and we aren't able to do what ever we want
2007-06-27 13:05:12 · answer #1 · answered by ohlala 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whoa. You sure are a thinker! Well, think about it this way. Our genes and our experiences do make up who we are, but people are a mixture of their mother's and father's genes, so unless you're a twin, your genetic code is unique. Also, people deal with their experiences in lots of different ways. Joining a tough sports club will make some people stronger and tire some other people out. But how you process your experiences depends on YOU. So, basically, we do have free will.
2007-06-27 20:10:50 · answer #2 · answered by 12Seychelle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course we do. Humans were created with 'free will' Our first parents Adam and Eve exercised free will.....even the angels in heaven have free will.
Satan chose to abandon his station in heaven as one of the most beautiful angels of God's creation to become a 'devil' demon, slanderer and liar. Adam and Eve followed suit by being disobedient to God's laws.
Today, we still make choices and decisions that cause us hurt and pain, but we are free to do that. No, we don't have ABSOLUTE FREEDOM that belongs to God almighty.
but neither are we robots on an assembly line, we are individual creatures with our own personalities, likes and dislikes. That is how the creator made us.
2007-06-27 20:14:04 · answer #3 · answered by sugarbee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋