Read the given passage and answer the six questions that follow.
Free will is the ability to decide and act free from any influence of past events or environment. It implies complete freedom to make any choice absolutely. We clearly don’t have free will. Our decisions and actions are never divorced from our past. We have a conditioned mind. Our memories, past impressions and experiences bias and shape our thoughts and actions in the present. It is our karmic imprint. Not just what we are born with, but also what we accumulate while living. We can consider it as the result of our genetic code, upbringing and environment.
It’s our backstory. The only way to experience free will is to get rid of all such conditioning; to neutralise our karmic imprint; to be independent of our psychological coding. That’s possible only if we can purify our mind by letting go of all our ego, attachments and fixed beliefs. Then we can reside in the truth of our being. The above is an exacting definition of free will. What we commonly mean by free will is that we have a choice in most situations like, who you choose to marry, what profession you pursue or how you react to someone’s aggression. Sounds reasonable. But here’s the catch. Our ability to make that choice too is significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions.
This applies even to our ability to bring about change within ourselves. Despite a strong resolve to be calmer, kinder or less anxious, our ability to manifest that change depends, partly on our emotional and mental wiring. That’s why some people succeed in such efforts more than 16 the others. If you wish to expand the scope of your agency, explore ways to engage in sustained inner work, deepen your self-awareness, examine and reform your conditioned beliefs. But then, I wonder if your inclination to embark on that journey too depends on your current karmic coding.
Q) What do you think could be a suitable title for this passage?
Correct Answer :
Do human beings really have “Free Will”?
Solution :
The correct option is Do human beings really have “Free Will”?
Step-by-step Explanation:
1. Analyze the Core Theme: The passage repeatedly questions the existence and scope of human "free will". It starts by defining free will and asserting, "We clearly don’t have free will." It explains that our decisions are heavily influenced by our past, memories, genetic code, environment, and "karmic imprint."
2. Evaluate the Author's Argument: Even when discussing choices we commonly assume to be free (like marriage, profession, or self-improvement), the author points out that our ability to choose is "significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions" and psychological wiring. The author even wonders if our motivation to change ourselves is pre-determined by our current coding.
3. Select the Best Title:
• "Definition of “Free Will”" is too narrow; the passage goes far beyond defining the term to critique whether we possess it.
• "Our backstory – key to a successful life" is incorrect because the passage does not focus on achieving success.
• "Making Choices – Every Man’s Prerogative!" contradicts the text's central premise that our choices are highly constrained.
• "Do human beings really have “Free Will”?" perfectly captures the central inquiry, skeptical tone, and overarching discussion of the passage. Therefore, this option is the most suitable title.
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