Existing To Argue Existentialism

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In my formative years (Not that long ago actually) when I was inspired to argue with much sharper minds than I had (Have) I briefly studied Existentialism at Sheffield Hallam University under the very ‘Amusing’ glare of Professor Steven Earnshaw. I think I can guarantee that the ‘Pro’ will not remember me because I graduated in 2011.
I, on the other hand, remember him very well because we had many long and quite whimsical discussion on the subject of free will.

Steven’s argument was that no matter what the circumstances, each of us have the choice to exercise free will. He said that if a man was held down by several men, with the intention of decapitating him, he could still exercise the free will to struggle and fight or resign himself to his fate.

I argued that, under certain circumstances, free will was not an option, and actually based my final essay around why I was of that opinion, and still am.
I don’t think I was awarded a good mark for my monstrosity of an essay (Cheers Steven) but I did (begrudgingly) agree with the mark he gave me. I have just rejoined LinkedIn and came across Steven’s profile, immediately requesting a reconnection.
I await his response with bated breath.
I have no choice!! 😁

Published by astijake John

Freelance writer, Husband to Angie, (In a fashion) father to 4 grown up children, (I think) grandfather to 3 beautiful boys and a brand new Grand daughter. In the process of writing my first novel. University graduate in English Literature and History BA Hons. TEFL Masters qualification. Level 3 NVQ Health and Social Care. Qualified in administering medications. Mental health support worker with Derbyshire County Council.

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28 thoughts on “Existing To Argue Existentialism”

  5. Free will is an interesting topic. If you take it to mean that we always have the option to change how we feel about any situation then yes – we always have free will. Unless we are drugged. Hmmm. Lots of food for thought here. Munch munch

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  7. We’ve chatted about fate before John. I’m always fascinated that you have thought hard about free will, and decided against. Guess my questions would be: is a human life pre-ordained? Is the date of my death already known somewhere? Or is it more the case that my free will has to do battle with all the other 7 billion, and is unlikely to get its own way, in the face of all that other wilfullness?
    My fate could depend on your answer! 😉

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    1. Haha you know me and my opinion on destiny and free will Kev. Honestly, I have always believed that everything is inevitable and unavoidable. Whatever happens during everyone’s life time, no matter what happens and where we end up, was always meant to be. I think karma plays a big part, as in how we act, what we say or do plays a part in the path our life takes. But no matter what, it was always meant to go down that path anyway.

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  8. But karma is nothing but the law of action and reaction. If you change your actions or your reations on others’ actions, because you have learned something from prior experience, you will change the direction of your gate. That’s what I believe at least. 😉

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      3. I am really a victim of autocorrect lately. O.k., sometimes one types incorrectly, but at times I am careful and then a completely different words pops up, especially when I write in German, really irritating that …

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  9. Hi. Do read the ancient Indian philosophy some time. Most of the modern philosophy put across by people today is either cut-copy-paste from the age-old Indian wisdom or inspired by it. I can assure you that it would mesmerize you. Regards.

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  11. I would love Steven to discuss ‘free will’ free willingly with the Senators and Presidents in Africa, just a reminder “Steve, these people exist to steal from the Treasury, to kill and make sure we have no free will to complain”. Discuss Prof.

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  12. If you’re being held down against your will, you absolutely have free will to struggle and try to escape or accept your fate. However, the cards are stacked against you, so no matter what your free will is, you’re f*cked! I just love how academics put life into such neat little boxes without ever really living it.

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