IV. Are We Really Free?

We typically feell proud of our personal achivements and quickly claim them when our merits are challenged. On the other hand, free will has been challenged as a mere illusion of freedom. Some scientific findings have rewakening old determinisms. Neuroscience seems to discover that our perception of being the free authors of our actions is actually determined by biological mechanisms in the same way as physical systems are determined. At the same time, if there is no free will, it is difficult to maintin moral responsibility and without moral responsibility no one can be blamed or praised for their actions. So, is moral responsibiiity a reality or an illusion?

The concept of freedom has been reduced to mere capacity to choose among options. We all aspire not only to be free, but to become increasingly freer. This impels humanity towards a technological and political pursuit aimed at enhancing our capacities and freedoms to ensure a happier future. However, this notion of freedom and happiness often overlooks fundamental truths. The better world is the world with better people. The most formidable obstacle to achieving a better world is not our lack of technological prowess or individual freedoms, but rather our internal struggle to put ourselves together in pursuit of the good we ought to pursue. True freedom, the freedom to embody the good individuals we are naturally meant to be, must be conquered in order to forge a happier world. This endeavor necessitates the cultivation of virtue and the overcoming of vice within ourselves. Better people are the virtuous people.