Please, when you answer, can you give sources?
2007-09-05 08:19:54 · 5 answers · asked by Pilt Down McMahon 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Please answer with more than: Free will = choices. What is the mechanism behind free will? What are the biological mechanisms behind it, and can our chemically-based brain operate within the parameters dictated by the properties of said chemicals in a way could truly be described by this nebulous and poorly defined concept? Making choices is something that is done by amoebas. I need meat on the rickety skeletons of my responses so far. I have done my own research, what I am looking for here is fresh perspective. I need someone else's point of view to challenge my own so that I can have a more objective and well rounded understanding of this concept.
2007-09-07 02:26:00 · update #1
Free Will? Isn't that the sequel to Free Willy, after the whale has gotten a bit older?
Seriously, though.
Free will is an illusion. The very concept is incoherent when you really think about it. (I think we discussed that once.) If our decisions aren't deterministic, then on what basis are they made? At random?
Biological evidence show us that, believe it or not, our concious mind does not make decisions. Experiments have shown that the brain makes decisions before the person is aware that the decision has been made. Consciousness is a story that is constructed by the brain, and that story includes the lie that your consciousness is running the show.[1][2]
Of course, if our wills are deterministic, that raises an ethical dilemma: are people responsible for their actions? Hertzler[3] resolves this by pragmatism and fiat, noting that actions have consequences, making it necessary to hold people responsible for their actions. No complicated philosophy there. And the fact is, people *do* make decisions. Determinism doesn't change that. Ebon Muse[4] proposes that our decisions are deterministic, yet unpredictable; in order to predict someone's decisions, one needs to *measure* the state of the brain, and... oops!
2007-09-08 03:05:20 · answer #1 · answered by RickySTT, EAC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the idea that you actually make your own decisions in life, rather than being predestined or "locked in" to your life's path. Check the Wikipedia article on free will.... it's quite thorough.
Alternately, "Freewill" is a kickass Rush song.
2007-09-05 08:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by Mike G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Free will is your ability to make your own choices,to think what you want and to act how you choose.It is a huge freedom that lets you think independently and come to your own conclusions about everything.
2007-09-05 08:28:49 · answer #3 · answered by Ron Burgundy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the diametric opposite of predestination. The idea that we make our own choices based upon (but not controlled by) our environment.
Doug
2007-09-05 08:27:29 · answer #4 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ability to do what you wish..
2007-09-05 08:29:11 · answer #5 · answered by Kristian K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋