NationStates Jolt Archive


Determinism and the Fate of Free Will

Lyerngess
29-04-2008, 02:40
Determinism is, quite simply put, the belief that only one physically possible future exists from one moment to the next. It seems to me to make the most sense of any of the positions upon free will in that it has the greatest deal of proof behind it; every particle, wave, and amount of energy in the Universe is ruled by very simple and basic physical laws which cannot be altered and, if properly understood and applied, could accurately predict the future of that particle. The Universe is a collection of particles/waves/energies and, as such, their future is the future of the Universe; because physical laws never change and no outside influences can effect the Universe because it contains everything by definition, there is only one physically possible future at any one moment in time. If that makes sense.

To explicate the meaning, it does not eliminate free will in the normal way. People are still free and capable to make choices, but can only make one of all available choices by definition and that choice is predetermined by the physical laws of the Universe. It allows for blame to be laid upon individuals for their choices as normal while containing, in my mind, absolutely no flaws at all.

And, finally, the disclaimer. I do not believe in this, I only think it to be the truth. The difference between belief and knowledge is very great, and I tend to avoid the former as much as possible. This thread is not meant to be an argument. I wish to hear your thoughts on determinism and other variants on the free will argument.

On addendum, try to avoid God. I don't want to hear the God created us with free will argument, as I already fully understand it. Please don't post it? Please?