Limits to Free Will by George Bernard Shaw
The play Limits to Free Will by George Bernard Shaw explores the concept of free will and its limitations through the character of John Tanner, a wealthy man who believes in the power of reason and logic. The story follows his interactions with other characters, including Ann Whitefield, a young woman who challenges his beliefs about free will. Through their conversations, Shaw raises questions about the nature of human agency and the extent to which individuals can control their own destinies.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1903 · Genre: Philosophical Literature, Social Criticism, Essay · 794 words
First lines
Consequently such of our laws as are not merely the intimidations by which tyrannies are maintained under pretext of law, can be obeyed through the exercise of a quite common degree of reasoning power and self-control. Most men and women can endure the ordinary annoyances and disappointments of life without committing murderous assaults. They conclude therefore that any person can refrain from such assaults if he or she chooses to, and proceed to reinforce self-control by threats of severe punishment. But in this they are mistaken. There are people, some of them possessing considerable powers of mind and body, who can no more restrain the fury into which a trifling mishap throws them than a dog can restrain himself from snapping if he is suddenly and painfully pinched. People fling knives and lighted paraffin lamps at one another in a dispute over a dinner-table.
What this Textopian page supports
Limits to Free Will is listed on Textopian as a play by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Literature, Social Criticism, Essay, Psychological Literature, Ethical Literature
- Length: 794 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Limits to Free Will by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- The Free Man by G. K. Chesterton
- The Impossibilities Of Anarchism by George Bernard Shaw
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- The Difference Between Atonement And Punishment by George Bernard Shaw
- Autarkeia by Frederic Manning
- The Church Of The Servile State by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Philosophical Literature — The text explores deep philosophical questions about free will, determinism, and moral responsibility.
- Social Criticism — The work critiques societal norms and legal systems, questioning the effectiveness and morality of punishment.
- Essay — The writing style and structure resemble an essay, presenting arguments and reflections on human behavior and justice.
- Psychological Literature — The text delves into the psychological aspects of human behavior, self-control, and the nature of criminality.
Tags
free will · determinism · philosophy · ethics · human behavior · choice · autonomy · moral responsibility · psychology · social influence · existentialism · liberty