Compatibilism View of Free Will - Essay Example

Free behaviors are those whose actions originate from the person’s wishes, desires, emotions, and thoughts. The immediate cause of such actions relies on the personal psychological state. On the other hand, actions that are not done on free will result from the externalities that condition the mind. According to compatibilism, an act of free will is an aspect of determinism (Salles 11). Therefore, the compatibilist theory of free will helps to address certain critical issues that are elements of society (Salles 23).

For instance, what happens if a man receives threats on his life from an extortionist? The man might give in to the demands, not because of his free will, but due to the prudent measure to safeguard his life. Therefore, man acts by an external factor that directs his action. Thus, compatibilism describes moral responsibility as a critical component of free will.