Before we began exploring the ideas of determinism, compatibilism and free will (and all of their differences), I really was a firm believer in the idea that we all have free will. A big part of that influence came from my religious background as being a Christian, knowing that the Lord all gave us a choice to follow Him and live our lives according to his word, or not. However, I have realized that there are so many external life influences that we cannot change instantaneously, and therefore I now believe in the idea of compatibilism.
There are way too many external factors in life that one cannot help: ie; gender, race, family, etc. Arguably, one can say that an individual would have free will to alter or change those aspects in their life, but we are not given free will at birth. I am a firm believer that we can take what we are given and make it the best of whichever scenario.
I have enjoyed studying this question, and examining all of the outside resources for influences (including the Grand Inquisitor and The Adjustment Bureau). Coincidentally, my philosophy class was studying this same idea of determinism vs. compatibilism this first eight weeks. It was very interesting to see what answers came out of this debate from two different classes: one focusing on religion, and the other focusing on logic and philosophical reasoning. From what I could gather, most of those within my philosophy class argued more towards determinism, with backings from Aristotle. However, compatibilism seems to be the favorite within this class. I think we all feel enslaved if we do not have some hint of free will, which compatibilism gives to us.
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