Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-31536324-20190117214835/@comment-32182236-20190322235120

DT is both the will to live and the resolve to change fate. Alphys saying it's the will to live in Flowey's case seems to imply they're the same thing. But this isn't a paradox! In fact, I'd ALSO argue that they're the same thing in Undertale.. But that only makes sense once you understand the true nature of determination.

Let's go back to my very first post here for a bit.

"Determination is defined as "firmness of purpose-Resolution". In Undertale, it's "the resolve to change fate." This resolution very well seems like a way to solve problems, yes?"

Now, let's expand. If you're not alive, you can't get past your obstacles. And let's think back to why Flowey feared his death. If he didn't have a SOUL.. then if he died..

The natural conclusion to make would be that he ceases to exist entirely. He wouldn't be able to do anything. He'd be back to having no will at all.

And that's the important part. The will to live. The resolve to change fate. The dictionary definition of DT is "firmness of purpose". If you have said resolution, you have a will of your own-Therefore, you are alive. Without it, you clearly have no free thought, and thus, it's possible to argue that you're not alive at all, but are rather a mindless p-zombie.

So the will to live and the resolve to change fate.. Are the same thing. It's having a will, and the ability to stay firm to your goals. If you die, you can't fulfill your goals, so you want to live!