Fellow atheists: Do we have free will?

Question

I think not.

Answer 1

Probably not. This question is closely interlinked with the mind-body dichotomy. In order to have free will, we would have to have a component of our selves that is beyond influence of genetics and environment. This has been variously described as soul, spirit, ground of being, etc. However, in the absence of evidence of something that lies outside the natural world, there is no mechanism that would account for anything that can be described as "free will."

This discussion is only now making it into the everyday conversation, and because the perception of free will is so valued, I predict it will become another criticism of science and scientific materialism.

My own take on it includes the systemic point of view. From that perspective, not only do genetics and environment effect us, but we also effect the environment in return by doing what we do. There is a constant interplay that cannot be disconnected. As such, we help create our own world, and while it is not "free will," it suggests the interconnectedness that is described by Buddhist philosophy. I much prefer to focus on our mutual co-creation of the arising realities than the question of individual free will.

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Answer 2

It's a tough question and depends on how you define free will. I think there's a convincing case if you're talking about going beyond natural predisposition (biological factors and environmental imprinting). If you think of the brain as a supercomputer, this makes sense, all of our decisions stemming from assessed pros and cons as dictated by previously collected data. However, I can't really see the purpose of free will in that case. What would it mean for decision making to be based off of anything else (or nothing)?

Answer 3

Yes , but yahoo hooey always find reasons to censor mine
It seems most religions can't take satire when it aimed at their beliefs.So I think their beliefs are very shallow,and they are very insecure in those beliefs.People with free will and thought of mind are a threat to them. Yes there is free will, and we are all born with it.Then from the moment we can talk we are ordered to listen(Cat Stevens)
The***PRAYNOGRAPHER***

Answer 4

I think all people have free will, just like most have a brain

question is, do they use it?

some are convinced by others that they should not or 'be punished' for not submitting to thier deity