You can read/skim these either before or after you read the blog but they are quite relevant!
http://www.centenary.edu/attachments/philosophy/aizawa/courses/intros2009/libetjcs1999.pdf The experiments of Benjamin Libet, in which it is shown that the brain initiates an action before we become consciously aware of making the choice to do so.
http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-03-experimental-philosophy-avenues.html An article that is useful in explaining what determinism and free will is, and the emotional factors involved.
For the purposes of this blog, I am going to define free will as the following: The ability to weigh the options based upon a limited ability to foresee the outcomes and use that knowledge to pick the more favorable option.
As for determinism: The idea that we are incapable of making a decision based upon internal thoughts and away from external pressures, that all our decisions are determined by external factors beyond our control.
Do you believe you have free will? Do you believe free will doesn’t exist?
The idea of free will, whether illusion or reality, I think is a good force on society. When someone thinks they have the option to make a decision that could enact good on those around them, I believe they are more likely to go with that decision. If they believe they don’t have a choice, they may simply act, and act carelessly. “But Koors” I hear you saying, “Doesn’t that mean that there IS free will?”
Well, not exactly. It’s kind of a matter of perspective. Even if you choose the more favorable option, it can be seen merely as a result of outside pressures. Hence, it is predetermined by the involved factors.
Personally, the subject is fascinating but my feelings are that we can never really know which the answer is, and even if we did, there’s nothing we can do to change it.
For any of you who may be religious, what are your views on predestination and free-will? What do you draw your conclusions from?
i don’t believe in chance, accidents or conincidences/ i believe in a delusional self
which is to say the things i talk and think about change the world around me an result in events that appear to be conincidental. i believe i am God, i believe everyone is the own God.
I think that’s called Nihilism. It usually ends in an early, self-inflicted death.
I believe very major act of our lives is predtermined. I believe “chance” is the lazy man’s way of trying to get out of predestination. However, just because we are not in total control of our choices does not mean that we shouldn’t, or couldn’t, choose to go into lifes major turns with conviction and dignity. There is an amazing amount of power in embracing that which is destined, and empowers that destiny exponentially when “free” will stands to meet it
Good point about embracing your destiny. There is nothing wrong with attempting to change what can be changed to create something greater, but there is no point in being perpetually dissatisfied.
Yes I agree. We make our definition of ”free will” according to life that surrounds us. ‘Free will” as a symbol that determines our will to break out from this grey mass. ”Free will” exists as much as we belive in it. ‘Free will’ is something we try to accomplish within ourselves, in our lives and reach it but it is indeed affected by many factors in our lives.
Can you elaborate a bit more on free will existing insomuch as we believe in it? I’d be interested to see your perspective.