What does it mean when Spinoza claims free will is an illusion?

When Spinoza claims that free will is an illusion, he is fundamentally addressing the nature of human actions and motivations. The assertion highlights that human beings often think they are exercising free will, but in reality, their choices are influenced by prior causes, which can include desires, feelings, and external factors.

The idea that individuals lack awareness of their desires and feelings aligns with the notion that we may not fully understand the underlying reasons for our actions, which can lead us to mistakenly believe we are acting freely. In Spinoza's view, true understanding comes from recognizing how our thoughts and behaviors are determined by these prior causes. Therefore, choice C captures the essence of his argument by emphasizing that individuals are typically unaware of how their feelings and desires, shaped by prior experiences and environmental influences, determine their actions.