Definition of the word free will

The concept of free will refers to the idea that humans have the ability to make choices and decisions that are not predetermined or predestined by external forces or factors. The term "free will" itself is a philosophical and theological construct that originated during the Renaissance and the Reformation in Europe. The Latin phrase "liberum arbitrium" (literally, "free decision") was coined by the medieval theologian and philosopher Jean Buridan in the 14th century. Buridan used the phrase to describe the human faculty by which individuals could choose between different options, free from external coercion or internal necessity. In the 16th century, the Protestant theologian and reformer Martin Luther used the term "free will" (in German, "freie Willkür") in his writings to emphasize the human ability to choose between good and evil, despite the inherent sinfulness and corruption of human nature. Luther's usage of the term helped to popularize the idea among Protestants and contributed to its continued usage in Christian theology and philosophy. Since then, the concept of free will has been debated by philosophers, theologians, and scientists, with different perspectives and interpretations emerging. Some argue that free will is a fundamental aspect of human nature, while others suggest that it is an illusion or an adaptation that helps humans to navigate their environments. Nevertheless, the term "free will" continues to be used as a way to describe the human capacity for agency and choice.