Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End: A Critique of Free Will, Determinism, and Predestination (original) (raw)

Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End: A Critique of Free Will, Determinism, and Predestination

In the initial chapter, Cenk Tan scrutinizes Arthur C. Clarke’s “Childhood’s End” as a work of science fantasy, employing the critical framework of (hard) determinism, free will, and predestination. Tan argues that, positioned as an advocate of determinism, “Childhood’s End” presents a compelling argument against the existence of free will. According to Clarke’s narrative, humans lack the capacity for true free will, and the ability to make choices does not necessarily affirm the existence of free will. This perspective implies that individuals are unable to break free from a destructive cycle, conveying a pessimistic message that suggests people are destined to be perpetually reliant on determinism.