Frownland

I would say that it's because brains undergo a decision-making process influenced by environment and past experience. Far from magical and the permanence of a decision doesn't discount that decision-making process. If we programmed a robot to base its actions on environmental factors and past experience, I'd consider the resulting actions to be the robot's choice.

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Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

The Batlord

Why are you using the word "choice"? It's meaningless without unpredictability. You sound like you're just taking the feeling of having choice at face value.

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Frownland

Because of the range of options that exists.

I disagree.

__________________

Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

The Batlord

Why do you assume there are a range of options?

You have an odd idea of what qualifies as a choice.

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Frownland

Because I can either pick up a piece of paper or leave it on the floor. My picking up that piece of paper being predictable doesn't mean that the option to leave it on the floor doesn't exist.

I know a true Scot when I see one.

__________________

Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

The Batlord

Yes. Yes it does. If it could be predicted then you physically could never have left the paper on the floor. Otherwise it wouldn't be predictable.

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Frownland

Nah, for it to not exist it would have to be a physical impossibility.

__________________

Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.