Chapter 1: Understanding Free Will

The notion of free will has been a central topic in philosophical discussions for centuries. This article delves into three main viewpoints regarding free will:

1. Determinism: This perspective posits that our actions are predetermined by factors such as genetics and our environment.
2. Libertarianism: Advocates of this view argue that individuals possess full free will, making choices without external influences.
3. Compatibilism: Supporters believe that free will and determinism can coexist harmoniously.

Critics of libertarianism point to involuntary bodily functions—such as epilepsy, fainting, respiration, digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure—as evidence that contradicts the idea of absolute free will. A study by Ben Gurion University in Israel and Columbia University examined the parole decisions of eight judges. It found that judges were far more likely to grant parole at the beginning of the day (65%) and just after snack breaks, with almost no approvals by the end of their sessions. This suggests that external factors like hunger and fatigue, rather than free will, significantly influenced their choices.

Genetic conditions, including autism and Down syndrome, further illustrate how certain genes can predetermine an individual's abilities and behaviors.

Understanding the Debate on Determinism vs. Free Will

The recent conviction of Hunter Biden for three felonies related to false statements regarding his drug use on a handgun application highlights these themes. The jurors expressed sympathy for him, as he was convinced he would be exonerated. Denial is a well-known symptom of substance addiction.

According to Wikipedia, addiction is defined as "a neuropsychological disorder marked by a compulsive desire to consume drugs or engage in certain behaviors for their rewarding effects, despite significant harm and adverse consequences."

Hunter's early life was marked by tragedy; at the age of three, he survived a car accident that claimed the lives of his mother and younger sister, resulting in severe head trauma, a fractured skull, and broken bones. He attributes his struggle with crack cocaine addiction to the traumatic experience of that accident, which was compounded by the loss of his older brother to brain cancer.

Chapter 2: Choices and the Nature of Addiction

While individuals may choose to use substances, they do not choose to become addicted. Substance use does not invariably lead to addiction; for example, I was prescribed opioid painkillers following surgery and managed to use them for two months without developing an addiction. Later, I decided against completing a similar prescription, opting instead for over-the-counter Aleve, which was effective without causing drowsiness. My personal struggle lies with sugar; if sweets are available, I tend to consume them until they're gone. Attempts to freeze portions have failed, as I would simply microwave them from the freezer. I often wonder why I can't exercise control in this area.

Hume's Perspective on Free Will

Free Will and Moral Responsibility

The concepts of crime and punishment necessitate a profound reassessment if free will is an illusion. If individuals lack the capacity to make free choices, it becomes illogical to hold them morally accountable for their actions. Nevertheless, society's primary obligation is to safeguard its citizens against criminal behavior.

In Hunter Biden's case, despite lacking substantial evidence for his conviction, it appeared that he misrepresented his drug addiction on the firearm application. His actions seemed to facilitate the jury's decision to convict him. Although I empathize with him due to his circumstances, it is crucial that he faces consequences similar to those imposed on others for comparable offenses.

Personal Reflections on Free Will

Personally, I subscribe to the belief that free will is somewhat limited, estimating that we exercise true free will about 20% of the time. Embracing this perspective brings me a sense of contentment.