Compatibilism is a philosophical view that seeks to reconcile free will with determinism. It suggests that even if our actions are determined by prior events and natural laws, we can still be considered free if we act according to our desires and intentions. This means that as long as we are not coerced, we can be held morally responsible for our choices. Proponents of compatibilism argue that free will is not about being able to choose differently in identical situations, but rather about having the capacity to act in accordance with one's own motivations. This perspective allows for a meaningful understanding of concepts like moral responsibility and ethical behavior within a deterministic framework.