Determinism In The Movie Gattaca

The film Gattaca makes one question that of determinism. During the time period this movie takes place in, children are genetically engineered to ensure that they possess the best traits. Even for the children who are naturally conceived, the technology available allows doctors to determine the likelihood this individual with develop a certain disease or condition and when they will likely die. The main character of Vincent Freeman, a non-genetically selected individual, defies the idea of hard determinism and shows that free will is possible for humans. A hard determinist believes that free will for humans simply does not exist. As well, they believe in the truth of human determinism. If Vincent’s life was to follow the ideas of this perspective, he would follow on the path of an “in-valid”, continue working as a cleaner, and die at the predicted age of 30.2 years. Vincent would not have the ability to move beyond this predetermined path as, a hard determinist would argue, he lacks free will. Yet, he does so, discrediting this perspective, in several ways. As he always dreamed of going into space, Vincent utilizes his free will, proving human determinism wrong, and seeks out to create a new identity. By becoming Jerome Morrow through the use of blood, urine, hair, and skin samples, Vincent is able to obtain the life of a

Vincent, through his journey to fulfill his dream of going to space, defies the predetermined notions of his health that were given to him at birth. He does not allow his genetic makeup to determine his life, thus using free will to transform his body, allowing him the opportunity to join the team at Gattaca and prove that he has the ability to compete with one who is “valid”. Therefore, as hard determinists deny the existence of free will, there is a large disconnect between this film and this