Where do we go from here? It’s possible that advances in neuroscience research will someday settle the question of free will. Until then, it is helpful to keep an open mind and to focus on the areas of agreement among psychologists, philosophers, and neuroscientists. Consider these three points.


Graphic showing the interdependent relationship of biological, psychological, and social factors, and their influence on our decisions

If conscious free will exists, it is not completely free. Our decisions are constrained by the limited choices available to us at any moment in time. Our decisions are also influenced by our genetic tendencies, our previous life experiences, and the behavior of others around us.


If conscious free will exists, it is not completely conscious. Many of our routine daily choices are made with very little conscious deliberation. Instead, they are driven by habits and automatic unconscious processing. Even our important, carefully considered decisions are influenced by these unconscious processes.

Graphic showing the influence of conscious and unconscious processing on our descision making

Image of people volunteering to serve meals to the homeless
Ariel Skelley / Blend Images / Getty Images

If conscious free will is an illusion, it serves some useful purposes. People who believe in free will are less likely to cheat or to hurt others. The system of laws in every society is based on the idea that individuals have personal responsibility for their actions.