Started By
Message
Do you believe in free will?
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:23 am
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:23 am
Are we able to operate and make choices outside of the constraints of nature or are we just bound to a singular path of chemical reactions that we refer to as life?
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:28 am to sorantable
God is sovereign. Man is responsible.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:41 am to sorantable
quote:
Are we able to operate and make choices outside of the constraints of nature
What the hell are constraints of nature?
If you mean can we make choices beyond our evolutionary programming and instincts, absolutely.
If you mean can we make choices outside the laws of physics, no.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:51 am to sorantable
Yes. Humans may have genetic pre-dispositions / weaknesses that can either be overcome or surrendered to, but the decisions we make rest squarely on us.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:52 am to sorantable
I have free will and total control. If there is a god, I view it more as a diety.
Pussy is the only deterrent to my free will.
Pussy is the only deterrent to my free will.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:52 am to sorantable
I'm predestined to be an Arminian. It is what it is.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 9:57 am to Mizz-SEC
quote:
the decisions we make rest squarely on us.
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?
Posted on 5/17/14 at 10:04 am to diddydirtyAubie
quote:
Calvinist here, brah.
4.5 point open theistic Armenian here brosephus.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 10:05 am to sorantable
Dan Aykroyd summed it up best in the movie "Dragnet"...
"Now let me tell you something, Streebeck. There are two things that clearly differentiate the human species from animals. One, we use cutlery. Two, we're capable of controlling our sexual urges. Now, you might be an exception, but don't drag me down into your private Hell."
"Now let me tell you something, Streebeck. There are two things that clearly differentiate the human species from animals. One, we use cutlery. Two, we're capable of controlling our sexual urges. Now, you might be an exception, but don't drag me down into your private Hell."
Posted on 5/17/14 at 10:29 am to sorantable
quote:
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?
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?
Posted on 5/17/14 at 10:37 am to sorantable
Did someone force you to post this?
Boom
Boom
Posted on 5/17/14 at 10:43 am to sorantable
quote:
Do you believe in free will?
Yes, life is about choices. Clearly who we are is a product of genetics and environment but even someone with average intelligence raised in a poor environment can overcome circumstances by making optimal choices.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 10:55 am to DirtyDawg
quote:
Did someone force you to post this?
Posted on 5/17/14 at 11:05 am to sorantable
For there to be a predetermined fate for us there has to be a God or Creator controlling it. If there is no God then we have free will. We can also have free will with a God, as Christian teachings give you the knowledge to make your own decisions regarding Faith and your moral actions. If you predetermined by God to be a murderer then it'd kind of dumb for him to punish you in eternal hell for what he decided you would do.
So either we have free will, God or no God, or both the religious and atheists are way off base.
So either we have free will, God or no God, or both the religious and atheists are way off base.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 11:13 am to sorantable
I don't believe in free will. We have the illusion of choice, but it's all completely determined by our brain chemistry, our biology, and external stimuli.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 11:16 am to Crimson G
quote:
I don't believe in free will. We have the illusion of choice, but it's all completely determined by our brain chemistry, our biology, and external stimuli.
I'm gonna go beat off now. Not because I want to, but because I have to.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 11:16 am to Crimson G
quote:
I don't believe in free will. We have the illusion of choice, but it's all completely determined by our brain chemistry, our biology, and external stimuli.
If that was true, you would simply be predestined to believe what you believe. So you don't really believe anything. Your beliefs have already been chosen for you.
Posted on 5/17/14 at 11:21 am to the808bass
It doesn't necessarily imply predestination because there exists randomness on the quantum level. But you're correct in that my belief in this is the result of my environment all through life, any predispositions I may have been born with, and my brain chemistry.
Eta: I fail to understand how one can't believe in something if they deny the existence of free will.
Eta: I fail to understand how one can't believe in something if they deny the existence of free will.
This post was edited on 5/17/14 at 11:25 am
Posted on 5/17/14 at 11:24 am to sorantable
I'm somewhere between free will, but having a hard time looking back at some things in life as just coincidence in bringing me to certain points/people.
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News