Free Will: Resolving the Mystery

by Ijaz Hassan

This book shows that the popular versions of determinism are flawed, while compatibilism and libertarian free will are also misleading. Instead, the author proposes a solution that avoids the mistakes of the best-known approaches to the problem of free will. How we think about free will significantly impacts our understanding of responsibility, self, morality, rationality, and the meaning of life. All these concepts are explored in relation to the proposed solution. The book also examines whether consciousness or randomness can rescue free will, offering a distinct perspective on the relationship between randomness and free will. Finally, it suggests ways of coping with the truth about this age-old problem.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Ijaz Hassan has long been fascinated by life’s deepest questions and the mysteries of existence. With an M.Phil. on the meaning of life and a Ph.D. on consciousness, his academic journey in psychology reflects a lifelong search for understanding. His work as a clinical psychologist has enriched his insight into the human mind and behavior, while his enduring passion for philosophy and science continues to shape his thinking about the ultimate nature of reality. He has an unbearable pity for the suffering of animals and feels intensely for their plight.

Reviews

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy via email to provide a review.

Ijaz Hassan titled the read "free will, not freewill..." to resolve a mystery about the term. However, throughout the read, I kept seeing 'determinism' (n) meaning the doctrine that all events, including human action, are determined by external causes to the will (Merriam-Webster, or Dictionary.com).

He explains that some philosophers argue that individuals lack free will and cannot be held morally responsible for their actions. There can be diverse, overlapping motives and considerations, he adds.

Freewill (belief) is a psychological benefit for its believers — no freedom that psychotherapy and meds can change a person's behavior, or interventions to understand the human psyche on the presumption of determinism. He speaks about metaphysical hypotheses, specifically those that aim to control the world, which is a form of determined free will. Metaphysical freedom, scientific knowledge, and determined free will, which he explains as a paradox of determinism and free will.

He suggests replacing freewill, soul, self, and meaning of life with realistic versions determined by free will (71% of the eBook), consciousness, experimental self, and experimental meaning. The same would be true for change and authenticity (p. 1684, eBook).

Determinism can give us a happier life than free will (p. 2056 of the eBook), an unpleasant life with metaphysical freedom, where it is more about living your life however you choose.

After reading intermittently for two weeks, I found that the book mainly emphasized 'determinism' rather than 'free will', which was the mystery I hoped would be explained. Instead, I felt more confused because, despite the scientific, psychological, and metaphysical evidence offering complex insights, I still didn't fully grasp the concept of free will.

A Turner, author/librarian
Author of "God is in the Equation"