Free will has been a central pillar of philosophical inquiry throughout history. While contemporary debates often focus on issues of consciousness, mechanics, neurobiology, and physics, premodern discussions frequently revolved around the role of God in defining the boundaries of human freedom. This seminar will delve into diverse perspectives on free will, drawing from philosophical traditions across time and place -- both past and present, East and West -- with particular emphasis on the Islamic context. Through a close reading of key sources, the course examines how different thinkers have conceptualized human agency and the extent to which it determines action. Ultimately, the seminar will grapple with the vexed question: do human agents actually enable their acts, or, in the final analysis, truly "do nothing"? |