Question: Is the Mormon doctrine of "agency" or "free will" false, since all human choices are predetermined by the laws of physics?

This page is based on an answer to a question submitted to the FAIR web site, or a frequently asked question.

Question

Science demonstrates that all interactions of matter--including all events in the human brain--are caused both other previous events. If we know enough about the laws that govern these interactions, we would be able to exactly predict these future events. Does this mean that the doctrine of "free agency" or "free will" is false, since all human choices are predetermined by the laws of physics?

Answer

Everything we think and feel probably has some physical changes that go on in the brain. And, really, this shouldn't surprise the LDS, since they do not believe that "mind"/"spirit" and "body" are two totally separate and utterly un-similar things (See Cartesian fallacy):

7 There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes;8 We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter. D&C 131:7-8

Further reading

FAIR web site

• FAIR Topical Guide:

Printed material

• Richard N. Williams, "The Human Context of Agency," American Psychologist 47:6 (June 1992): 752-760.