In this dialogue with Father Spitzer, a question surfaced about whether we humans are merely products of our environment, shaped deterministically by the ideas and concepts ingrained in us since childhood. This concept, often termed social determinism, posits that our behaviors and choices are heavily influenced by external factors rather than by our own free will.
Let’s delve into the response given, which offers a perspective rooted in Catholic theology and a profound understanding of the human person.
The Error of Social Determinism
Father Spitzer unequivocally dismisses the idea of social determinism as fundamentally flawed. He argues that while our upbringing and environment do shape us to some extent, they do not eradicate our capacity for free will. This ability to choose freely is central to the Catholic understanding of human nature.
He starts by acknowledging that we do indeed absorb many ideas and behaviors from our surroundings, be it from parents, teachers, or society at large. These influences can mold our behavior and shape our decisions, but they do not eliminate our freedom to choose differently.
The Role of Free Will
Father Spitzer emphasizes the pivotal role of free will in human existence. He illustrates this with everyday examples: children asserting their desire for a cookie despite being told no. This act, though seemingly trivial, demonstrates a basic exercise of free will—a choice made independently of external influences.
He further elaborates that our freedom extends beyond mere impulses or desires. It encompasses our ability to pursue higher ideals such as truth, goodness, and love—what he terms as "transcendental desires." These aspirations are not imposed upon us but beckon us toward higher moral and spiritual growth.
The Power of Self-Consciousness
Central to Father Spitzer’s argument is the concept of self-consciousness. He posits that our awareness of ourselves as individuals endowed with conscience, reason, and empathy sets us apart from deterministic frameworks. This self-awareness grants us the ability to reflect on our actions, to discern right from wrong, and to align ourselves with the moral imperatives laid out by our conscience.
Freedom as a Defining Element
In contrast to deterministic views that reduce human agency to mere reactions to stimuli, Father Spitzer asserts that freedom lies at the core of our existence. It is through our free will that we engage with our deepest desires and make choices that shape our moral character and spiritual journey.
He critiques deterministic systems for their oversight of these fundamental aspects of human nature—our capacity for self-awareness, moral discernment, and spiritual growth. Such systems, he argues, fail to account for the richness and complexity of human experience, reducing us to deterministic entities devoid of genuine freedom.
Conclusion: Embracing True Freedom
In conclusion, Father Spitzer’s response challenges the notion of social determinism and upholds the importance of free will within Catholic theology. He encourages a perspective that recognizes human beings not as passive products of their environment but as active agents capable of moral responsibility and spiritual transformation.
For those grappling with similar questions, this perspective offers a profound insight into the theological understanding of the human person—one that celebrates our capacity for free choice, moral growth, and the pursuit of transcendent values. As Father Spitzer aptly summarizes, "You have a self-consciousness and a conscience; you can act according to it or not—it's your free choice."
In a world increasingly fascinated with deterministic models, this reaffirmation of human freedom serves as a timely reminder of our inherent dignity and moral agency.
Watch below:
Learn more about free will in our article, "The Fall and Original Sin."
Have a question for Fr. Spitzer? Email spitzersuniverse@ewtn.com.
*Originally published on February 15, 2021.
