Exploring 予定説: The Impact of Predestination on Free Will and Human Agency

Introduction

The concept of predestination, or 予定説 (yoteisetsu) in Japanese, has been a significant philosophical and theological topic, particularly within the context of Christianity. It posits that God has eternally chosen those who will be saved and those who will not, raising profound questions about free will and human agency. This paper aims to explore the implications of predestination on the understanding of free will, emphasizing how this theological doctrine interacts with human agency and moral responsibility. By analyzing historical perspectives and contemporary interpretations, the report will provide insight into the ongoing debate surrounding these concepts and their relevance in modern discourse.

The Intersection of Predestination and Free Will

Predestination has roots in the early Christian church, notably articulated by theologians such as Augustine of Hippo and later, John Calvin. Augustine argued that God’s omniscience and omnipotence mean that He knows the fate of every individual before they are born,