Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Pat
I believe the term is called "biochemical predestination"... It's much like the concept of the "clockmaker" in deism except there is only a clock... and no maker. Everything is just set into motion...
Basically, in a nutshell, it means that our actions are based upon numerous internal and external variables. When a situation is presented to us, we react accordingly to it based on these variables. If you were to replay a certain event (let say choosing between two different brands of cereal) repeatedly with the same variables intact, then the same outcome would occur each time.
Of course, then there is also the non-biological sense of predestination (don't know the exact word), but that's another debate for another time.
I think it's a really interesting concept. Not entirely sure what to think of it yet, but it's definitely possible. 
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This. I simply don't understand how, in a universe where everything is mathematically calculable, free will just happens to exist. The concept of free will just seems like magic to me. Any concept of free will that doesn't include magic or divine power just seems like semantics designed to redefine a word that no longer has any real meaning. If you believe that the universe is deterministic, then just come up with a different word to describe human choice, because "free will" already has a specific cultural meaning and using it only brings confusion.