When in doubt, it is wise to develop a theory and check if it matches the facts; experience will tell us if the theory is correct or if it needs revising. Trial and error can prove tiresome but it is the best of methods to figure out the truth. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) wasn’t a scientist, but he possessed an immense curiosity. He read incessantly (although his library was not large), asked questions, developed theories, and put them through the test. When he was in his late thirties, he became interested in the question of free will. His interest matched the spirit of his time, especially in France, where Catholics and Huguenots engaged in harsh theological disputes, where the existence or not of free will played a central role. Montaigne had little interest in theological disputations, but found the question fascinating nonetheless. In our decisions, it makes a huge difference whether we consider ourselves free or puppets of destiny. People who consider themselves puppets of destiny tend to renounce their ambitions and reject responsibility for their own actions; they refuse to take the blame for their errors, misdeeds and oversights; they claim to be victims of circumstances. Montaigne touched the question of free will tangentially in several of his essays. I say “tangentially” because he avoided a direct discussion of the subject. Since Montaigne was living in an area ravaged by religious wars, it’s no wonder that he avoided a theological debate on the existence of free will. Instead, he passed review to the practical consequences of freedom and determinism. In his essay “On drunkenness,” Montaigne indirectly proves the existence of free will. Nowadays, we know that many road accidents are caused by people who had consumed alcohol in excess, but that those people should not be discharged from liability. The alcohol may have impaired their faculties, but that’s the result of their free decision to drink. Those people had decided in the first place to consume alcohol, and must take full responsibility for the consequences. Montaigne doesn’t mention road accidents and civil liability, but acknowledges that “drunkenness can lead to recklessness.” He is not calling for people to become teetotallers, but advises prudence when drinking alcohol. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/michel-de-montaigne-and-free-will/

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