re: Do you believe in free will?

quote:

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If we are able to act outside of the laws of nature and the dictates of fate, how can we say that we're just a product of a random cosmic explosion?

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As a species we haven't quite evolved beyond the "laws of nature." I think it's more accurate to refer to instinct.

The development of our big brain negated the need for many of our instincts. Actually, instincts would interfere with the main function of this special brain, reason. When I say special I mean in comparison to most other animals' brains.

The ability to reason can be called free will, I think. With this evolutionary hallmark trait came consciousness. Some other higher animals can reason but none of them, as far as we know, have the ability to empathize or imagine with the level of acuity displayed by most humans.

I like to ponder what will come next in our evolution. Consciousness is astounding, but will there be something more? Maybe some transcendence to understanding of why, or what, consciousness is?