Philosophy Archives

3 Ways to Maintain a Sense of Agency in the Absence of Free Will

If free will is an illusion, does that mean that we must be disillusioned? Can we still somehow have a sense of self and agency? Sam Harris argues that we don’t have free will. But, he doesn’t believe that accepting free will as an illusion—which requires a major shift in perspective for many of us—has to undermine everything we believe about ourselves and others. Keep reading to discover three ways Harris says we can maintain a sense of agency even in the absence of free will.

The Free Will Myth: Sam Harris Explains 2 Reasons We Buy Into It

Do you believe that you have free will? If so, what might you be overlooking? Sam Harris contends that free will is an illusion. But, most of us are absolutely convinced that it’s real. Harris says this is because we’ve accepted two misguided beliefs about our thinking and decision-making processes. Keep reading to understand why people buy into the free will myth, according to Harris.

Fate vs. Free Will: Do Humans Have Agency?

What are the arguments for fate vs. free will? Are humans capable of choosing their own destiny? Philosophers have been debating fate vs. free will for centuries. Some believe that people’s lives and choices are predetermined, while others believe that humans are responsible for their own actions. While there’s still not a definitive answer, you should take a look at the below arguments about fate vs. free will to come to a conclusion yourself.

Why Is Faith Important? How Belief Helps You Truly Succeed

Why is faith important? What can spirituality do that nothing else can? Chasing career achievements, wealth, and prestige isn’t completely satisfying. The older you get, the more that’s true. Arthur Brooks advises that, as you age, you should dedicate yourself to life success—in other words, living a well-rounded life full of contentment and love. Faith, he says, is a major part of this. Keep reading to discover the difference that a belief in something greater can make in your life.

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus: Book Overview

What’s Albert Camus’s philosophy? Why does he think that life is worth living—despite its absurdity? In his 1942 essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus describes his philosophy of the absurd. In spite of life’s absurdity, he believes that we should continue to live and try to derive as much fulfillment as we can from our brief existence. Continue reading for an overview of this classic work.

Dostoyevsky & Kierkegaard: Absurdism Is a Bridge Too Far

Why don’t all existentialist philosophers embrace absurdism? What do they advocate instead? Existentialist philosopher Albert Camus contends that life is absurd. But, according to his fellow existentialists Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Søren Kierkegaard, absurdism should be rejected; there’s a better way to face life. Keep reading to learn Camus’s argument, the counterarguments by other philosophers, and Camus’s rebuttals.

Albert Camus: Suicide Isn’t a Satisfactory Response to Absurdity

How did people react to Albert Camus’s philosophy of the absurd? Why did some think that suicide seemed like a reasonable response? According to Albert Camus, suicide isn’t the answer. In The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus draws on existentialist theory to argue that humans are doomed to an absurd condition. He asserts that, rather than surrendering to this belief via suicide, you should derive fulfillment from your brief existence. Continue reading to learn more about Camus’s views on suicide in the context of the absurd.

Albert Camus: Absurdity Is Man’s Futile Search for Meaning

Does it ever feel like life is just, well, ridiculous? What does Albert Camus mean by absurdity? According to Albert Camus, absurdity defines our lives. He observes that we search for meaning and purpose and ask huge questions about our existence. But, for all our searching and asking, we come up with just beliefs, theories, and hopes—and always come up short of certainty. Read more to learn about Camus’s philosophy of the absurd.

Examples of Absurdism: Sisyphus & Others Who Press On

Why did Albert Camus use Sisyphus as his primary model for absurdism? Why did Camus consider Sisyphus to be fulfilled in life? In his definitive philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus argues that human existence is fundamentally absurd. This is because the human drive for purpose and meaning is at odds with the reality that death is inevitable and humanity is cosmically insignificant. Read more to learn about the figure of Sisyphus and other examples of absurdism from Camus and elsewhere.