Journal 9

Name: erin munchel

Journal #9 - Free Will vs. Determinism

Free Will - The power of making free choices that are unconstrained by external circumstances or by an agency such as fate or divine will.

Iago: “'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our

gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners” (1.3 361-3).

Determinism - The philosophical doctrine that every event, act, and decision is the inevitable consequence of antecedents, such as genetic and environmental influences, that are independent of the human will.

Othello: “Yet ‘tis the plague of great ones … ‘tis destiny unshunnable, like

death” (3.3 313-16).

Using the above definitions, write a paragraph that argues in support of each of the terms. In your paragraphs, use specific examples from Othello to support your ideas.

Othello used his free will when killing Desdemona. Even though Iago told him she cheated, he believed him when it wasn’t true, and killed her for no reason. Othello could have asked Desdemona or Cassio himself so that he could know the truth, but instead he relied on Iago to carry the message.

Othello killing himself to be with Desdemona was determinism. Their love for each other was so strong that they had to be together. Even though all odds were against them being together because of everything Iago set up, Othello loves Desdemona. Cassio becoming in charge was also determinism. Because he was loyal and honest, Iago envied him, and tried his best to overtake his position. Cassio was meant to be future lieutenant over Iago, and that’s how it ended up even though luck was against him.