preview

Free Will Quotes From Underground

Good Essays

Two times two is five Do human beings truly possess free will? The answer to this question is currently a topic of debate. However, this is not a new topic of discussion. Philosophers, scientist, and theologians have been researching and discussing this subject for ages. Currently, the idea that we do not have free will and that it is just an illusion has become a popular theory, especially among many neuroscientists. The author Fyodor Dostoevsky raises this topic in his novel Notes from Underground, and makes several interesting points. The underground man from Dostoevsky’s novel is troubled by the idealized or scientific point of view because it has the potential to end the progress of mankind, and give us nothing to look forward to by …show more content…

The laws of nature are foreseeable occurrences that are predicted by calculated science. It is hard to put up an argument against proven science or arithmetic. The underground man explains this by saying, “there is nothing to be done, because two times two is – mathematics. Try objecting to that.” (20) I believe the underground man expresses his frustration with the rationale scientific concept with this quote. He does not want to accept this view if it means he will give up his individuality. Furthermore, accepting and living by this concept of two times two is four means you accept what is possible, and more importantly what is impossible. In my opinion, one of the great things about human beings is how we question what is impossible. If people gave up every time something was explained as unattainable, our species would never progress or see the amazing accomplishments we have achieved. The underground man may agree that two times two is four. However, he does not want to always be forced to accept

Get Access