R4

R4

            I believe that having some free will establishes humans as rational beings in the society.  Without free will, there would not be rational deliberation in our minds.  People have to have the control of their own minds in order to make decisions for themselves to better fit their circumstance.  Therefore, the will we have is the decisions we make for ourselves that are produced through our thoughts and feelings.  Yet, even those streams of consciousness are controlling our decisions.  The decisions or reasoning we make are based on what works best for us at that particular moment.  Thus, ultimately, a decision is made and an inaction or action is executed depending upon how well the possible outcome fits in complex stream of consciousness.  However, sometimes we chose to make certain decisions that are not in our best interest.  William James says, “Voluntary action, then, is at all times a resultant of the compounding of our impulsion with our inhibitions” (p. 87).  This concept reminds me of Sigmund Freud’s theory on id, ego, and superego (voluntary action being the ego, impulsion being the id, and inhibitions being the superego).             

            Although our inhibitions can a lot of times be the reasoning force to our decision making, it can also be a hindrance towards certain opportunities because of certain failures in life.  James explains, “So long as the inhibiting sense of impossibility remains in the child’s mind, he will continue unable to get beyond the obstacle” (p. 89).  Therefore, according to James, it is teachers’ duty to build character in their students by helping them find the right ideas to better fit their talents and needs (James, 1899/2001).  Teachers should be warm, encouraging, and understanding of their students so that the students will not have any hang-ups about exceeding to their highest potential without a lot of inhibition.

            I now truly believe in the power of thoughts.  We all get to think how we want to think about every aspect of life and those around us.  Since we have this freedom of thoughts and feelings, it leaves ample amount of room for particular actions we make towards them.  For instance, if a teacher has negative perceptions about girls mathematical performance, that teach will most likely unconsciously act on his or her beliefs through teaching math to female students.    

            We are only free to act on our own self interests and well-being.  Whatever is attracting our stream of consciousness, we have the will to focus and act upon it.  However, since everything that attracts us is not always good for us, inhibition is there to be the mediator.  The question is, how does inhibition relate to morality?