Skip to main content

Freedom, Freewill, Choices, actions and consequences

Sometimes, of course, what we want or feel is within our control. But that is only ever true because we can, to a degree, influence what we want or feel through our prior actions. 

You can, for example, increase your  desire for food by taking a run; or you can reduce pain by applying ointment, or by deliberately concentrating your  mind on last year’s holiday,  and so forth. 

Your  direct control of your  actions can, through the effect of your  actions on passive occurrences such as wants and feelings, give you some indirect control over these wants and feelings as well. 

Your control over our actions extends to give you control over those actions’ consequences too. 

But your freedom is still ultimately a freedom of action. Freedom is always exercised through action – through what we deliberately do or refrain from doing – and through action alone.

This tight connection between freedom and action is very important. It means that to understand what freedom involves, we shall also need to understand the nature of human action, that medium through which, it seems, we can exercise our freedom.

 Here we come to the issue of decision-making and its place in freedom.

 Especially in late antiquity and in the Middle Ages, philosophers used to explain the link between action and freedom in terms of the will. 

The very term ‘free will problem’ as a description of a problem about freedom of action reminds us how general was this belief in an identity of freedom of action with freedom of will. 

Freedom was taken to be essentially a characteristic of decision or choice – all freedom was a freedom of the will. We immediately controlled our decisions – and we controlled everything else through our decisions. 

Freedom was tied to action because decision-making or choice was a central component of, indeed the immediate form taken by, human action. 

Freedom applied to action, then, because to act was to exercise a free will.

You can choice what to feel.

You can make your ejaculations longer by deliberately concentrating your mind  on other things during sexual intercourse.

You can decide not to get loan (to avoid the consequences of debt) and find alternative to earn money.

Everything lies within your freewill, choices and decisions


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is Biri marung?

Biri marung" is a term in Chewa/Nyanja, a language spoken in Zambia, Malawi, and parts of Mozambique. It directly translates to "hyena in the sky" or "flying hyena.  It is often used in folklore and traditional beliefs in African cultures to refer to supernatural beings or mysterious occurrences, particularly those associated with witchcraft or spirits. In music, "Biri Marung" is a popular Amapiano track released in November 2024 by South African artists Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, and Tebogo G Mashego, featuring Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma, and CowBoii.  The song has gained significant attention, with its official audio available on YouTube.  Additionally, it has been featured on various music platforms, including Apple Music.  The track has also inspired dance challenges and covers on social media platforms like TikTok, contributing to its viral status.  "Biri Marung" has been recognized for its impact in the music industry...

The Seventh Generation of Computers

After the sixth generation of computers, which focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and nanotechnology, the next generation will likely explore seventh-generation computers or beyond. These might include: 1. Quantum Computing at Scale Fully functional and accessible quantum computers capable of solving complex problems exponentially faster than current computers. 2 . Bio-Computing Computers that integrate biological components, such as DNA-based processors or neural tissue, mimicking human brain functionality. 3. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) Computers that exhibit human-like cognitive abilities, understanding, learning, and reasoning in a general, adaptable way. 4. Neural Interfaces Direct brain-to-computer communication, allowing seamless interaction with technology using thoughts alone. 5. Molecular and Optical Computing Advanced technologies using light (photons) or molecules for faster, energy-efficient processing. 6. Self-Evolving Systems Machines t...

Subcategory Competition could help firms deliver high sales; think Chobani!

In the future, branding and business in general is going to involve more subcategory creation and competition and less “my brand is better than your brand” competition. This is because, with rare exemptions, that is the only way to achieve real profitable growth. In category after category, real growth results not from market share increases, but from brands that have created a set of “must haves” that define a new subcategory and then manage that subcategory by becoming its exemplar. These brands continue to innovate and create a moving target. By managing the perceptions and attitudes toward the subcategory, the subcategory wins. I’ve previously discussed in my blog and my book, Brand Relevance a host of examples of brands that have created subcategories and won a subcategory battle. The Chrysler minivan, Asahi Super Dry, Enterprise-Rent-a-Car, Muji (the no- brand retailer), Patagonia, Zipcar, Tesla, Red Bull, IKEA, Gillette razors in India, the list goes on a...