What is it about?

The interaction between fate and free will is a very controversial issue for people across the globe, and it seems that there is no final consensus on which dominates the other. Therefore, this paper reads Chauntecleer's dream found in "The Nun's Priest's Tale" as a philosophical exemplar that proposes the absence of any demarcating lines between destiny and free will. The paper contends that Chauntecleer's dream shows how free will and destiny—though they are "inconsistent" forces (Boethius, 1785, 195)—mysteriously connive together to form what can be called conditional free will.

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Why is it important?

This paper contributes to our understanding of how destiny does not confiscate free will and how humans are always provided with the opportunity to decide what to do and what not to do. Existentially speaking, humans are not destined to live, think, or behave in a certain way; rather, they are free to make any decisions and conduct any deeds, a perspective that deciphers the core of the relationship between God and Human. The paper provides a philosophical reading of the interrelatedness of destiny and free will, emphasizing their value in shaping humans' perception of life in terms of determinism and responsibility.

Perspectives

I hope this paper inspires people to rethink their perception of the relationship between God and Humans. This is not pure theology or philosophy; it is rather something related to our perception of ourselves, of others, and of the entire universe. It is hard to believe that wars are determined by God or that criminals are destined to harm other people. We do have the full freedom to live the way we like; therefore, we are fully responsible for whatever we do. However, I hope this paper is thought-provoking for scholars, students, and readers of Chaucer, philosophy, theology, sociology, culture, etc.

Malek Zuraikat
Yarmouk University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The concept of destiny and free will in Chauntecleer's dream, Orbis Litterarum, October 2022, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/oli.12373.
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