A Comparative Analysis of Intuitive Free Will, the Illusion of Free Will, and Philosophical Determinism, along with Their Implications

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Islamic Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 889-14665, Tehran, Iran

2 دفتر تبلیغات اسلامی خراسان رضوی- پژوهشکدۀ اسلام تمدنی

Abstract

This paper examines the interplay between three key concepts: philosophical determinism, intuitive free will, and the illusion of free will, analyzing their implications in ethical, legal, and religious domains. The primary objective is to clarify the conceptual distinctions among these perspectives and explore their impact on moral responsibility, legal systems, and religious frameworks. The research methodology is based on philosophical analysis, literature review, and the integration of neuroscientific findings with human intuitive experiences. The results indicate that philosophical determinism, emphasizing universal causality, negates human free will, while intuitive free will underscores the immediate human experience of freedom. Conversely, the illusion of free will, supported by neuroscientific evidence, interprets the sense of free will as an illusory phenomenon. The paper argues that these perspectives are not necessarily contradictory and can be viewed as complementary dimensions in understanding the complexity of human volition. Ultimately, the acceptance or rejection of free will has profound implications for ethical, legal, and religious systems, including the reinforcement or undermining of moral responsibility and the redefinition of concepts such as punishment and justice. The conclusion highlights that a comprehensive understanding of free will requires an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology

Keywords

Main Subjects

New Intellectual Researchs

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 August 2026

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics