Freedom-Determinism Analysis: Preventing Nuclear War and Self-Control

This essay explores the philosophical concepts of freedom and determinism, particularly in the context of preventing nuclear war and preserving the status quo through self-control. It argues that having free will is essential for making choices that prevent nuclear conflict, such as governments illegalizing nuclear weapons and promoting international cooperation. The essay also emphasizes the importance of self-control, especially among political leaders, to maintain the status quo by prioritizing the needs of the community over personal interests and considering long-term outcomes like environmental preservation. Self-regulatory measures at both individual and collective levels are crucial for making informed decisions and fostering stability.

Running head: FREEDOM-DETERMINISM 1
Freedom-Determinism
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FREEDOM-DETERMINISM 2
Freedom-Determinism Premise to Prevent Nuclear War
Having free will means that there two or more genuinely open possibilities for choices
and the choice must not be forced. The concept of free will has a significant role in preventing
nuclear war in the third world. Determinism is a theory that suggests that all events are
completely determined by the previously existing causes (Vihvelin, 2013). For instance, having
experienced first and Second World War, it is probable to have the third one if the appropriate
measures are not taken. Nuclear war is normally a common subject in the world war III
scenarios. Considering the effects the past world wars had, including massive loss of human
lives, inequalities, and increased poverty in some societies, it is advisable to prevent the issues
that would lead to such cases.
With the use of cyber, drones, and conventional, there is a military potential to cause
mankind extinction. Thus, I would consider engaging the governments to illegalize the
possession of nuclear weapons in the world. Making the nuclear weapons illegal will play a
significant role to ensure that no country or society live in fear of attack by the others using
nuclear weapons (Williams, 2011). Again, the security personnel of the societies will have
strategies for detecting the probability of having people with nuclear weapons around them. All
the societies will also be on toes to turn against anyone found with such weapons. It is good that
nations practice ceiling in their relations and pursue a policy focused on peace and stability.
Adopting an attitude of international cooperation is a proper measure to prevent nuclear war.
Self-control to Preserve Status
Status quo which means the existing state of affairs of the political issues is a great
concern in the society and needs preservation. With this regard, I will consider self-control as a
significant aspect of preserving the status quo. Self-control is the ability to control one's desires,

FREEDOM-DETERMINISM 3
emotions, and aspirations, especially in complex situations. Freewill has great value in
promoting self-control which is a function of political ideology. It allows people to restrain from
doing what they would want to do for the benefit of the others (Hassin et al, 2010). For instance,
the political leaders have got the access to the public funds given to them for the purpose of
making developments in the areas of their jurisdictions. The access to such funds may give them
a chance to use the money for their own interests regardless of the fact that they may be held
responsible or not. It is the essence of self-control that will make these leaders consider the needs
of their followers and keep aside their own interests for the sake of common developments.
Self-control will also enable the leaders to consider long-term outcomes such as
environmental destruction over short-term apprehensions to preserve status quo. The self-
regulatory measures should be directed both to the individual goals and the change at a collective
level (Coleman, 2012). Maintaining status quo enables people to make critical decisions
affecting the economy. It for this purpose that makes it impossible for one individual to change
the decision of the entire group of people, hence, self-control will lead them to join the majority.
References

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Coleman, P. T. (2012). The psychological components of a sustainable peace. New York:
Springer.
Hassin, R. R., Ochsner, K. N., & Trope, Y. (2010). Self-control in society, mind, and brain.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Vihvelin, K. (2013). Causes, laws, and free will: Why determinism doesn't matter. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Williams, P. (2011). Race, ethnicity and nuclear war: Representations of nuclear weapons and
post-apocalyptic worlds. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press.