Free will

midnight rain · 04-04-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastingas10

I'll give 'em read, tuna.

Oh and I just wanted to say, since Goofle seems to be under the impression that I'm trying to win an argument, I'm always open to anything you may have about free will existing. This thread wasn't about winning an argument (free will is after all, a philosophical debate), but just to see what others thought about the subject. Thanks for giving your opinion respectfully.

TockTockTock · 04-04-2012, 02:02 PM

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.

The Batlord · 04-05-2012, 08:42 AM

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.

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.

midnight rain · 04-05-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

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.

I think a good example would be music. A lot of people don't like country, but to say someone chose to not like country music is ridiculous. You can't choose to like or not like country, you just do like it or don't like it. I challenge people who don't like country music to explain why they don't like it.

Another example would be food, you don't choose to dislike a certain type of food, it just doesn't appeal to your taste buds.

View Poll Results: Does free will exist?
Yes	19	63.33%
No	11	36.67%
Voters: 30. You may not vote on this poll

04-04-2012, 02:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
TockTockTock They/Them Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,914	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.