What do you think?

Does the phrase "everything happens for a reason" suggest that we have no free will, that existence is limited to a series of pre-determined events that are destined to happen no matter what we do?

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Ferric67 · M

I take it more along the lines of if you do A you'll get B
Or
If Z happens, you'll get Y

DunningKruger · 61-69, M

@Ferric67 That's true, but that's more of an "actions have consequences." The phrase "everything happens for a reason" tends to imply that things happen in our lives based on a plan that does not respond to our actions, i.e., our actions have no consequences, because we are unable to influence events.

Ferric67 · M

@DunningKruger but we both know that our actions lead to consequences, ultimately influencing outcomes and events. A lazy mindset leaves it all up to chance and other people's work.

DunningKruger · 61-69, M

@Ferric67 Do we know that, or do we just believe it? Are the "consequences" that we experience preordained, meaning that we don't really have any choice in our actions, because what we're going to do is preordained, as well? Is free will an illusion?

Ferric67 · M

@DunningKruger I'm a firm believer in free will