9Free 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.
The free will statement is true. Free will means that one can make decisions on their own. It is not destined by fate or divine will, and it is not forced by outside sources. Othello chose to believe Iago and listen to what he had to say about both Desdemona, the woman he loved, as well as Cassio, his right hand man. He was not forced to do so, he believed on his own accord. However, this all was considered to be predetermined, even Othello says his life is, along with the surrounding influences. This predetermined act is not based on what he has done or thought, though.
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