The philosopher John Locke theorized that humans are born with a blank slate or a tabula rasa. Our experiences imprint on the blank slate – and this is how we achieve knowledge, according to Locke. An opposing philosophical theory holds that humans are born with innate ideas. That is, we already have some information or ideas in our heads at birth.
For the first part of your essay consider which theory you agree with. Does either theory diminish free will? Why or why not?
After you have addressed this consider a work situation or a social situation in which you believe that your right and ability to make a decision from free will was compromised by obstacles or rules or societal norms.
Answer the following questions:
Why do you think that your free will was compromised? What led you to make the decisions and take the actions that you took?
How did you resolve the differences between what you really wanted to do in the situation, and what the restrictions, rules, or societal conventions “told” you to do?
How should people, in general, react to conflicting feelings about the actions to take in given situations?
