Doha, Qatar: Are our choices truly our own, or are they shaped by forces beyond our control? In its latest town hall, Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates brought together students, academics, and global experts for a thought-provoking discussion on free will and its implications for justice, forgiveness, and moral accountability.
Moderated by Imran Garda, and held at Multaqa, Education City Student Centre, the event featured Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman, justice advocate and scholar, founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and professor of Islamic studies at Southern Methodist University; Dr. Gregg Caruso, philosopher and author, professor of ethics and management at Fairfield University and honorary professor of philosophy at Macquarie University; and Professor Jeremy Koons, academic and author, professor of philosophy at Georgetown University in Qatar.
Offering a faith-based perspective, Dr. Omar Suleiman reflected on how divine decree and human choice coexist in Islamic thought, emphasising that “we are free but we are not sovereign,” and underscoring intention and accountability in moral action.
From an incompatibilist stance, Dr. Gregg Caruso highlighted how neuroscience challenges free will, noting that “what we do is a result and factor of the owner of control,” and calling for justice systems centred on prevention and rehabilitation rather than retribution.
Through a philosophical lens, Professor Jeremy Koons bridged the debate, arguing that moral responsibility can still function in a determined world, saying, “it is within my control whether I lie or tell the truth.”
Students from universities across Qatar took part in the debate, posing questions and sharing how ideas of fate, choice, and moral responsibility influence their perspectives on justice and forgiveness.
Doha Debates is inviting global youth ages 18–26 to apply for its 12-week virtual Ambassador Programme, which empowers young changemakers to engage in constructive dialogue and collaborate on solutions to global challenges. Applications are open until December 15, 2025.
