The nature of free will...

[eh1eh]

Re: RE: The nature of free will...

We are all mere collections of chemical reactions creating outcomes that are determined by the physical forces around us. Having self determination means only that sometimes certain chemical reactions and interactions preempt others leading to different outcomes.

So, in summary, no, I am not responsible for any of my actions.

You never took any important decisions in your life?

I think all his important decisions were ruled by 'chemical reactions' that created outcomes determined by physical forces...
So he is not responsible unless he can alter the chemical reactions, which I may add is done everyday, by addicts who will tell you they are not responsible for their actions due to some sort of impairment from a chemical, like drugs or alcohol. We are in control of what we do. It is only the variables, actions of others, that change our outcomes. These variables are infinate so it really seems that we are not responsible. Although everyone's actions afect all others, so we are in control. For example the flutter of a butterfly's wing is felt around the world.. ?

 

[fuzzylogix]

Are you talking about me?

I'm a girl.

 

[boagie]

Hi everyone,

I am jumping in here rather late,I by no means have it all worked out, but perhaps a different perspective.It was Hume who first questioned our common sense about cause and effect.He stated that it was only the habit of mind which noticed one occurance preceding another,and thus linked them and allowed of prediction.We have no apparent reason--for Hume's challenge remains unanswered----to assume that we know the force or power of this relationship.In considering free will I believe it profitable to disreguard the concept of cause and effect and make some assumptions of our own.When you are placed [however that may have come about] within a context, which everything must be according to relativity,then you are defined by that context,and all possiabilities are possiabilities for reaction to said context.If you decide to act/do or you decide to remain passive, both are of necessity,reaction.

We do have free will I believe,if like some of you here you define it as,having a greater choice than the other animals.No matter how many alternative choices of reaction you might have,it necessarily is in response to your context---the physcial world.Well,some might say we have the ability to alter dramatically our context,yes that is quite true,but that too is a reaction to it.This altered context then will be what you react to,but always context defines----------in this sense,there is no free will! Necessity dictates,and in the relational sense,adaptation to context is of necessity."Subject and object stand or fall together."Schopenhaur

I am headed for the light on God's back porch!!