Does free will exist?

[Jupsto]

I have thought about this. there is always a reason why a dice lands how it does, with enough information like the force/angle it is dropped etc. you could predict exactly how a dice lands each time (I reckon). Even a random number generator surely there is some reason why it chooses a particular number each time, some sort of input or condition. I find it hard to imagine anything at all being completely random. I don't know enough about human brain or the physics of probability (I don't think anyone does) to say for sure I am a determinist. but I'm definitely open to the possibility in my utter ignorance.

Again I am ignorant on this but I don't feel like time travel is ever possible I see time as only the current physical state of matter. but if above is true and random is not possible, then it is theoretically possible to predict the future I feel. Of course it will never happen because the amount of data needed and calculations would be virtually infinite, but interesting idea either way.

 

[hannahdonno]

It had been proven to some extent that we do not have control over our actions. Take for instance, pulling your hand away from a hot kettle. You do not think this action through, or even realise what you are doing, you brain has made the decision for you.

 

[JC175]

It had been proven to some extent that we do not have control over our actions. Take for instance, pulling your hand away from a hot kettle. You do not think this action through, or even realise what you are doing, you brain has made the decision for you.

That's true, however as far as I understand that's considered a reflex. I don't really know if the existence of reflex actions contradict the notion of free will, but it's something to consider.

 

[similar.squirrel]

Not truly 'free' will. We can mess around in with very constricting parameters. It's why I think suicide is is the ultimate manifestation of free will. It goes against our programming.

 

[CosmicCommander]

There is an awnser, and it is long and complex, and, frankly, I cannot be arsed to type 250,000 words, so, luckily, here s a link!

Linky [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_qQt9IrUc0&feature=PlayList&p=D688153FDB922DE8&index=0]

Please skip to 0:40

 

[mangus]

Yes free will exists. the end.

in a related note:
"In this world, is the destiny of man controlled by some transcendental entity or law? is it like the hand of god hovering above? at least it is true that man has no control, even over his own will"

+2 nerdpoints for anyone who gets it.

 

[LockHeart]

It had been proven to some extent that we do not have control over our actions. Take for instance, pulling your hand away from a hot kettle. You do not think this action through, or even realise what you are doing, you brain has made the decision for you.

That's true, however as far as I understand that's considered a reflex. I don't really know if the existence of reflex actions contradict the notion of free will, but it's something to consider.

I think it's more to do with not fully understanding your subconcscious mind, surely the default mental state is to prevent harm coming to yourself? I think this is where free will comes in - it governs the conscious mind which is able to think rationally and conceptualise as opposed to the more base-instinct subconscious. Well, I think so anyways

I think one major question to ask is whether the mind is a purely mental or material thing. If the mind could be equated to, say, a combination of chemical reactions in the brain, then I think it would be quite believable to assume that there would be some basic laws governing how our minds function, possibly limiting free will in some way.

However, if our minds were of a different substance to our brains (i.e. substance dualism) then it would be far easier to support the argument for free will.

Just as a point for debate

 

[IsoNeko]

It doesn't mean that you don't have free will. It is still you that decides this stuff, the neurons and junk are just telltale signs of these choices.

 

[Insert Funny Name Here]

Yes free will exists. the end.

in a related note:
"In this world, is the destiny of man controlled by some transcendental entity or law? is it like the hand of god hovering above? at least it is true that man has no control, even over his own will"

+2 nerdpoints for anyone who gets it.

Thats from Berserk isn't it?

 

[FallenRainbows]

We have to believe in free will. We have no choice.

Epic Irony.

Even if you could predict it, That person could still do somthing else reguardless of factors, so I do belive free will exists. Otherwise what's the point?

 

[oktalist]

The way I see it, we behave as if we have free will, and that's the same thing.

 

[hannahdonno]

It had been proven to some extent that we do not have control over our actions. Take for instance, pulling your hand away from a hot kettle. You do not think this action through, or even realise what you are doing, you brain has made the decision for you.

That's true, however as far as I understand that's considered a reflex. I don't really know if the existence of reflex actions contradict the notion of free will, but it's something to consider.

Take for instance a case of becoming so wound up with rage you kill someone- you can argue that you had no control over your actions and you didn't mean to.

 

[hubbel]

It doesn't mean that you don't have free will. It is still you that decides this stuff, the neurons and junk are just telltale signs of these choices.

Who are "you"? People seem to make a big difference beteween themselves and their brain / body.
Sure, you could believe in a soul or something, but what if that didn't exist?
Isn't it the neurons and junk that actually makes the choice?

 

[roboosh]

Why are there alwyas such philospphical threads on the escapist? Anyway, no it doesn't, if you think about it purely scientifically as your decisions are decided by your personality, which is decided upon at birth and is changed by uncontrollable events.

 

[JC175]

Why are there alwyas such philospphical threads on the escapist? Anyway, no it doesn't, if you think about it purely scientifically as your decisions are decided by your personality, which is decided upon at birth and is changed by uncontrollable events.

Philosophy is cool, 'tis why. Personally, I just love to think about questions we will never know the answers to, it gives me headspins.

 

[Vault boy Eddie]

If you believe you have free will, go take a crap on a cop car, see how much they are gonna sympatize with your right to express yourself as you see fit.

 

[roboosh]

Why are there alwyas such philospphical threads on the escapist? Anyway, no it doesn't, if you think about it purely scientifically as your decisions are decided by your personality, which is decided upon at birth and is changed by uncontrollable events.

Philosophy is cool, 'tis why. Personally, I just love to think about questions we will never know the answers to, it gives me headspins.

If I want that I lie down for a long time then get up quickly and stretch to the ceiling lol

 

[EchetusXe]

Oh god not this again.

Essentially you are correct. Free will is an illusion. But the practical effects of this are nil, so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[mangus]

Thats from Berserk isn't it?

NERDSCORE +2

at 10000 nerscore you can see the combat text. Nerdscore may or may not be a tangible force in the universe. If you are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant, nerdscore may not be for you. Side effects may include dizziness, progressive lack of pigmentation, social unease and drymouth. Talk to your doctor about nerdscore today!

 

[Insert Funny Name Here]

Thats from Berserk isn't it?

NERDSCORE +2

at 10000 nerscore you can see the combat text. Nerdscore may or may not be a tangible force in the universe. If you are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant, nerdscore may not be for you. Side effects may include dizziness, progressive lack of pigmentation, social unease and drymouth. Talk to your doctor about nerdscore today!

-sigh- Now Im kind of ashamed to have got it right...