@zimbardo
Well not that I agree but I haven't done enough research into that to argue much further.
Yeah, consciousness has been found in other animals. The method used I believe was seeing if said animal could recognize itself in a mirror for example. Dolphins, elephants I think have as well but it's not on the same level as humans. We're conceited yes, but it's not without reason. In terms of the brain and functions, aren't we more advanced and mature than other animals? Claiming that humans are in reality no separate from any other animal because there are a few similarities is imo, an oversimplification of the human brain. For instance, take current generation of smartphones or even computers compared to those of the past (when they were first produced). Yes both generations are still phones without doubt but they're far from being the same thing. Other animals compensate for this lack of advanced intelligence with their advanced senses and bodies.
Still doesn't feel the same to me. Because I believe him knowing how it will pan out doesn't change that he allowed for us to choose. The main point being that he could've decided to alter things to go exactly as he wants but didn't. I think you already got my point though, just disagreeing so it doesn't seem like a matter of not portraying my thoughts clearly. I also got your point but still disagree so we'll simply have to agree to disagree.
Tbh, I can't see this follows. Or perhaps more accurately, I can't see how such a statement can be proven. That's simply because we only get one chance for each particular stimulus. The best that can happen after that is a similar stimulus but with difference. No particular situation can be completely replicated and science prides itself on proof.
For example, put a guy in a field with a ball and wait for him to do something. For arguments sake, say options are to kick/interact with the ball, walk away or simply remain idle. Now for whatever he chooses, even if he was made to repeat this experiment, it's no longer the same because there's already precedence to the event that will factor into decision making (either in conscious or scientific method). Even if a different person is brought in, it wouldn't be valid because it's not the same thing. The first experiment (and each subsequent one) will always be different. The experiment also demands on a single individual. The only way such a theory can be proven is if the exact same thing is repeated which isn't possible. So where is the proof for this when a particular reaction to a particular stimulus never occurs more than once?
Well not that I agree but I haven't done enough research into that to argue much further.
Yeah, consciousness has been found in other animals. The method used I believe was seeing if said animal could recognize itself in a mirror for example. Dolphins, elephants I think have as well but it's not on the same level as humans. We're conceited yes, but it's not without reason. In terms of the brain and functions, aren't we more advanced and mature than other animals? Claiming that humans are in reality no separate from any other animal because there are a few similarities is imo, an oversimplification of the human brain. For instance, take current generation of smartphones or even computers compared to those of the past (when they were first produced). Yes both generations are still phones without doubt but they're far from being the same thing. Other animals compensate for this lack of advanced intelligence with their advanced senses and bodies.
Still doesn't feel the same to me. Because I believe him knowing how it will pan out doesn't change that he allowed for us to choose. The main point being that he could've decided to alter things to go exactly as he wants but didn't. I think you already got my point though, just disagreeing so it doesn't seem like a matter of not portraying my thoughts clearly. I also got your point but still disagree so we'll simply have to agree to disagree.
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@italiziedBut it does. Unless you believe that we, somehow, have a system of deciding things external to our nervous system? External to the laws of science?
Which would also cause it to no longer be 'free'.
I am a little confused here.
But surely, the zombie can not decide not to eat meat?
Also, before you find an example of one – I'd argue that this doesn't show free will, as that particular zombie would always have not wanted to eat meat...
The problem lies with how decisions are made in the brain – the brain receives inputs from the body, interprets them, weighs them up with the current state of the system, and then decides on the most suitable outcome – whatever that may be.
The outcome will always be the same, at that particular time, for that particular stimulus.
But being forced to do something isn't anything to do with 'will'.
Free will can not exist due to the way which you decide what you want to do.
It has nothing to do with what you actually end up doing in the end.
No one is arguing that someone else is making the choices for you – what I am arguing is that the 'choices' are not really choices in the first place.
Well, not in the way which enables them to actually fall under the most common definitions of 'free will'.
Was this meant for me Hll?
I am not sure that I was ever arguing for the existence of any gods – nor stating their relevance in the topic of free will.[/SPOILER]
Tbh, I can't see this follows. Or perhaps more accurately, I can't see how such a statement can be proven. That's simply because we only get one chance for each particular stimulus. The best that can happen after that is a similar stimulus but with difference. No particular situation can be completely replicated and science prides itself on proof.
For example, put a guy in a field with a ball and wait for him to do something. For arguments sake, say options are to kick/interact with the ball, walk away or simply remain idle. Now for whatever he chooses, even if he was made to repeat this experiment, it's no longer the same because there's already precedence to the event that will factor into decision making (either in conscious or scientific method). Even if a different person is brought in, it wouldn't be valid because it's not the same thing. The first experiment (and each subsequent one) will always be different. The experiment also demands on a single individual. The only way such a theory can be proven is if the exact same thing is repeated which isn't possible. So where is the proof for this when a particular reaction to a particular stimulus never occurs more than once?


