Is it possible to have free choice if the future is already written?

Question

My friend says it is, but won't divulge details. I'd like to know the science behind this and whether it's somehow possible. Thanks!

Answer 1

It depends on what you mean by free. However, the future is not "already written". Modern physical theory is based on intrinsic probability distributions. For example, when we say that the odds of a nuclear decay in the next second are 50:50, that doesn't mean we just don't know enough to say whether it will or not for certain; it means that there's no measurement that can be performed, even in principle, to tell us. If you decide to take some course of action based on the result, then that action becomes intrinsically undetermined beforehand.

Answer 2

You can answer this question any way you choose, as long as you define your terms appropriately. If every detail of the future is predetermined, then obviously there is no free choice by any party other than that which made the initial determination.

In practice, nearly all theories of detailed predeterminism, or even reductionist materialism, were discarded with the advent of quantum physics. Uncertainty is considered to be physically fundamental.

This doesn't rule out the possibility that general patterns are predetermined, or that some specific events are predetermined.

Answer 3

There's only science behind it if "free choice" is a scientific concept. What is its definition? How does an experimenter determine whether a human, or a cat, or an amoeba, or an electron has it or not? If there is no way to determine this, then "free choice" is a meaningless nothing that makes no difference in the universe.

Answer 4

The future has some things written, but not from a purely scientific basis. As we read and see science fiction stories, in books and at the movies, we see new possibilities all the time. As we read our Bibles, we hear new interpretations from our Preachers all the time, also. When we were in school, we were always encouraged to be creative, try out new ideas, and so on. As science handles both the developments and verifications of new technologies and innovations, wherever they come from, free choice is a continuing part of all our lives.

Answer 5

No. There isn't. This is what religious people don't get. If a god would be all knowing there is no possible way to have some kind of free will. Same with allmightyness. Free will requires some kind of might or power.. If a god is allmighty it has ALL might. Hence.. it's impossible for anyone else to have any free will since all the might belongs to the god.

Answer 6

There are no paradoxes in the universe. Only lack of knowledge of the laws cause it to appear that there are! This is only an intuitive thought that i have. They may be one and the same reality.