The thought of a rigidly determined existence is a disturbing one for many people. It suggests that we are not in control of our own lives, and that our actions are predetermined by forces beyond our control. This can lead to feelings of helplessness, despair, and even apathy.

On the other hand, some people find the idea of determinism reassuring. They believe that it means that everything happens for a reason, and that there is no such thing as chance or randomness. This can provide a sense of comfort and order in a world that can often seem chaotic.

Personally, I am not sure how I would feel if I believed that all my actions were determined. I think it would depend on the specific circumstances. If I believed that I was determined to commit a crime, for example, I would be very disturbed. However, if I believed that I was determined to do something good, I might be more accepting of it.

I think a belief in determinism would have a significant impact on my view of crime and punishment. If I believed that people were not responsible for their crimes, then I would be less likely to support punishment. I would also be more likely to focus on rehabilitation and prevention.

However, I also believe that people have a certain degree of free will. We are not completely determined by our genes or our environment. We have the ability to make choices, and those choices can have a real impact on our lives.

I think it is possible to believe that every event has a cause and that free actions are possible. These beliefs are not necessarily incompatible. For example, I might believe that my actions are determined by my genes, my upbringing, and my experiences. However, I might also believe that I have the ability to make choices within those constraints.

Ultimately, whether or not free will matters is a personal decision. Some people find it essential to believe that they have free will, while others are content to accept that their actions are determined. There is no right or wrong answer.

As for the question of whether free acts are still free if the “psychological states” were secretly controlled by someone else through hypnosis, I think that is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, it could be argued that the person is still making a choice, even if that choice is being influenced by someone else. On the other hand, it could also be argued that the person is not really free if their choices are being controlled by someone else.

I think this is a question that philosophers and scientists will continue to debate for many years to come. There is no easy answer.