I found the whole "free will" discussion always somewhat strange. There seems to be some underlying assumption that anything short of being able to pull completely novel ideas from thin air is not free will. This seems odd to me, because everyone knows that our decisions and motivations are influenced by all sorts of things, both intrinsic and extrinsic. We are inspired by common culture and learned knowledge and we are influenced by memories of past events, emotional affinities which were also shaped by past events and for a good parts biological drives as well.
Nevertheless, within all those influences and based on the information we have, we are able to make a decision. I would still qualify that as "free will".
Exactly. Maybe it’s because I don’t have enough brainpower but I’m perfectly happy for society to determine parts of my I don’t put much value in. Clothing styles, haircuts, what music is on Spotify.
I recognize the value in being novel in those areas and I respect people who are passionate and put in the time, but I prefer to focus on the things that matter to me
I’m self aware enough there are millions similar to me in a lot of ways, I’m a product of my genome and society mostly, and marketing demographics work. But I take from that more of a stance of brotherhood. We are all on the same journey and we should find kinship and empathy in that.
Nevertheless, within all those influences and based on the information we have, we are able to make a decision. I would still qualify that as "free will".