I read one more learned paper about free will, but I do still not know what this magic concept means.
1. “I” am a structure of forces: of biological needs, fears and desires.
2. “I” am surrounded by countless forces of the outer world.
3. All that happens and what “I” do, is the outcome of the struggle of these forces: of those that constitute “me” and of those around “me”.
4. Forces are neither free nor non-free: they are what they are: forces.
5. “I” am not only an observer of what happens to “me”: “I” am a set of forces that act.
6. “Responsibility” means that society punishes some behaviours, with the aim to deter people from such behaviour; society rewards some kinds of behaviour, with the aim to encourage people to behave in that way.
7. Everything functions well (normally), without the mystical concepts of free will.
8. In sum, I do not understand what free will might mean. If a behaviour is caused by some forces, then it is not free. If a behaviour has not been caused by any force (need, fear, desire) then it is a random act, not free. Free from what?
Free will refers to the ability to choose an action or make a decision independently. In the context of vows and offerings in the Torah, a "freewill offering" is an offering made voluntarily, as per one's own decision and not compelled or required. It is an additional offering brought not to fulfill a vow but out of one's own initiative.
Free will is seen in a few different ways. In regards to a vow (neder) and a freewill offering (nedavah), free will is about the choice to make an offering or a vow. A freewill offering means that a person promises to bring a sacrifice, but not a specific animal while a vow indicates that a person points to a particular animal to sacrifice. Furthermore, the Sages assert that oaths are only created if one has the freedom to promise to do or refrain from doing something. This freedom doesn't apply in the case of mitzvots (religious duties). Lastly, free will is also reflected in the case of a master setting a slave free with an emancipation letter (Get). Once the Get is sent, the master cannot change his mind, revealing a choice made willingly and resolutely.
In Judaism, free will is a central concept. It is the understanding that individuals have the freedom to choose between right and wrong, and are responsible for their actions. The Torah outlines laws and commandments that individuals freely choose to obey or disobey. The concept of free will is linked to the idea of vows and freewill offerings, as mentioned in the Torah. Vows represent commitment and a freely chosen obligation, while freewill offerings symbolize the voluntary and spontaneous expression of gratitude or devotion, beyond the required duties. Furthermore, in the context of judgement, Jewish teachings suggest that a person's actions and choices in life, their free will, influence their judgement. Rabbi Yitzhak related that a person is judged according to his situation at the moment and not his future deeds, highlighting the importance of individual choices made in the present. Despite the concept of free will, Judaism also acknowledges the sovereignty of God. This can raise questions about the co-existence of divine omniscience and human free will. However, Jewish scholars maintain that these are not contradictory, as God's knowing of future events does not interfere with an individual's free will. Overall, free will in Judaism emphasizes personal responsibility, ethical choices, and individual relationship with God and His commandments.
Maybe, Mario Radovan , this is some help for your query.
Stephen I. Ternyik - Thank you for your explanation! I will read it carefully. I will make only a brief remark now.
"... a "freewill offering" is an offering made voluntarily, as per one's own decision and not compelled or required." --- I understand; but "your own decision" is caused by a need (of God's help), a fear (of God), a desire (to be rewarded) ... The problem is (for me) that I do not understand what "free" might mean. You may be free in legal, political, ... sense. But to be simply "free" (beyond your fears, desires, ...) means nothing to me.
Free will is acting- unavoidably- per your nature. "Free" is a relative term- free from what? You are not Free from Nature, but that is not necessarily bad.
Am in line with Karl Sipfle . To be free can only be understood Mario Radovan within the laws of nature; therefore, we need to study the laws of nature (creation) carefully and to act accordingly (as co-creators).
My position is simple and clear; it may be wrong, but I have an impression that people do not accept it for the reason that they are horrified of the idea that they are not "free".
In brief, people (conscious living beings) have needs, fears and desire (and some other feelings perhaps).
There is no free will beyond & above needs, fears, desires etc.
My "free choice" is always the outcome of the struggle of forces (which are "me" and of those "around me"). And that is all.
Let me illustrate my story by an example. Twenty-one years ago, I "freely" decided to quit smoking. But in spite of my decision, I did not manage to do that.
Then I "freely" decided to smoke 2 cigarettes in the morning and 2 in the evening. No more than that. And I have managed to do so. This lasts for more than twenty years.
If I am "free", why did I not manage to quit smoking completely, as I "freely decided" twenty-one years ago? The force "fear of disease" was strong, but the force "desire to smoke" was also strong; so, they produced the outcome they produced.
Free will is the ability to make choices independently, without being determined by prior causes or external factors. There are various perspectives on free will:
The debate impacts moral responsibility and legal accountability.
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