Free will or determinism? Parshat Miketz asks the question. Or, rather, it sets out two different answers. Thus, it tempts us to ask the question!

I’ve always thought humans are both determined and free. On the one hand, causes lead to specific effects. Natural processes, including human actions, follow scientific laws. On the other hand, we make free choices. We weigh options, reach decisions, fix mistakes. To make good choices, we must understand cause and effect. So, you couldn’t even exercise free will without determinism!

But let’s see what Parshat Miketz has to say.

Free Will

Story snippet 1: Pharaoh dreams. Seven gaunt cows eat seven healthy cows. Then, seven withered sheaves of grain swallow seven robust sheaves. Joseph interprets the dream. Seven years of famine will follow seven years of abundant harvest. God, Joseph says, has set a process in motion. And, through the dream, shown Pharaoh a glimpse of what is to come. Now Pharaoh must find, do, appoint and gather, so that his people will have food. So, he appoints Joseph minister of food distribution.

Here’s one view of how free will and determinism work together. Pharaoh cannot control the forces of nature. But he can decide how to respond.

Determinism

Story snippet 2: The famine spreads across the region. Joseph’s eleven older brothers travel to Egypt seek food. So, they secure an audience with the minister. They bow to him, put their faces on the ground. But they do not recognize that the minister is Joseph. Twenty years earlier, Joseph dreamed that eleven stars bowed down to him. His brothers recognized themselves in the stars. But they hated the metaphor. They judged Joseph arrogant. They ridiculed and bullied him. Finally, they sold him into slavery. Yet, here they are, bowing at his feet, seeking his favour.

Here’s another view of free will and determinism. Sure, the brothers feel themselves making choices. Getting ideas and taking initiatives. But they are part of a larger family story. Something drives them, and it’s bigger than their own ideas. Joseph himself calls it a divine plan.

Perhaps this is what Rabbi Akiva means when he says, “Everything is foreseen, yet freedom of choice is given” (Pirkei Avot 3:19).

What do you think?

For more reflections on Parshat Miketz (Gen. 44:1-44:1), click here.

Image: Aliaras