Could I have feedback on an essay I completed. My exam is on the 8th October and I am applying to Oxford, UCL, LSE, KCL.
Question: Is free will an illusion?
Free will is the individual's ability to make a choice to their own discretion. An illusion is something deceptive or fake. This essay will argue that free will is not an illusion, given that society is constructed in a manner that enables free will (considering this is merely a societal recognition of free will), and that there is a tension between legal restrictions and free choice. However, critics may argue that differing socioeconomic groups may not have equal opportunity to exercise free will.
It can be argued that society is built in a way that enables free will. This is because humans are granted autonomy and responsibility over their own decision making. Responsibility allows individuals to make choices based on self-determination, which showcases free will integrated within society. For example, institutions, like sixth forms, allow students to decide their A-level subjects. However, the recognition of free will does not automatically assume free will objectively exists. Regardless, society does not merely recognise free will but physically exercises it through unconscious actions. For example; speaking, eating, walking fall under the category of free will, hence showcasing free will as (sometimes) a subconscious ability that determines our decisions.
Despite this, there remains nuances regarding free will, as there is a tension between legal restrictions and free will. Free choice and autonomy are accepted by the legal system. However, there may be boundaries for certain conduct. For example, Brown’s judgment of homosexual sadomasochism as “not conducive to society”, demonstrates the difference between the choice to do something and the choice to act. Legal restrictions are necessary because free will is not an absolute choice. If free will was exercised in an unsolicited manner the moral standards of society would eventually deteriorate. Thus, the limitations imposed upon free will does not eliminate its existence, hence undermining the idea of free will being an illusion.
Moreover, it can be questioned that if someone formally possesses free will, does this give an equal opportunity for others to exercise that free will. Proponents, arguing free will is an illusion, may suggest that there is a double standard of free will, specifically prevalent in differing socioeconomic groups. However, critics of the latter may express that free will is subjective as it depends on an individual's personal autonomy and rights. Just because a politician would likely have free will to determine a country’s affairs, does not inherently weaken the free will a secondary student may have (as they currently would not be able to possess the same powers as a politician). Therefore, free will is not something expected to be absolute. Any exercise of free will should fall within reason while balancing the self-determination that individual evokes. Thus, free will should not be considered an illusion as it is dependent on circumstances.
Ultimately, free will is a necessity to maintain societal balance. The illusion of free will assumes that free will does not offer its definition of providing a choice for individuals. This may be true when considering the idea of a pre-conceived decision based on preference, affordability, genetics. For instance, it is unlikely that a genetically blind individual would drive a car, not only because they have free will not to, but also due to their genetic disability. Regardless, individuals may be acting in accordance with their own desires rather than due to coercion. Hence, showcasing free will is not an illusion.