Free will. Free will? - Page 2

Skybird · 03-13-13, 08:34 AM

Exciting thing. Isd there a free will, are we free to decide? Or not? What are the consequences of any of the two possible answers? An american writer I just have read getting quoted with this: "Of course I believe in free will - I have no other choice than to believe that!"

By now I am out of contact with psychological research, for the most at least, and neuropsychology never was one of my primary interests anyway. But I know that since some time they can scan the brain and understand brain activity patterns in parts of the brain that precede the display and announcing of intention and behavior by seconds.. In other words: the brain already has flipped switches before you become aware of your "free will's" choice or decision for this or that option. Your brain already has decided . seconds before you even get the idea that now by your "free will" you have decided something, have made a choice. Sorry, but neuroscientists have busted this idea. The brain decided, and later the "free will" follows.

In other words, I camp with those claiming that free will is an illusion.

This is a big, tough pill to swallow. However, this must not be a reason to turn fatalistic or to give up trying to differ between right and wrong, good and evil. The following essay I found to be very insightful and humane. I like what he says and I like the way in which he says it.

Life Without Free Will

The author is philosopher and neuroscientist himself.

03-13-13, 08:34 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,638 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Free will. Free will? Exciting thing. Isd there a free will, are we free to decide? Or not? What are the consequences of any of the two possible answers? An american writer I just have read getting quoted with this: "Of course I believe in free will - I have no other choice than to believe that!" By now I am out of contact with psychological research, for the most at least, and neuropsychology never was one of my primary interests anyway. But I know that since some time they can scan the brain and understand brain activity patterns in parts of the brain that precede the display and announcing of intention and behavior by seconds.. In other words: the brain already has flipped switches before you become aware of your "free will's" choice or decision for this or that option. Your brain already has decided . seconds before you even get the idea that now by your "free will" you have decided something, have made a choice. Sorry, but neuroscientists have busted this idea. The brain decided, and later the "free will" follows. In other words, I camp with those claiming that free will is an illusion. This is a big, tough pill to swallow. However, this must not be a reason to turn fatalistic or to give up trying to differ between right and wrong, good and evil. The following essay I found to be very insightful and humane. I like what he says and I like the way in which he says it. Life Without Free Will The author is philosopher and neuroscientist himself. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert. Last edited by Skybird; 03-13-13 at 09:01 AM.