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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 10, 2002, at 13:42:25
I'm not convinced that it exists. It would be a violation of physics if it really did. Think about it. What's controlling you? Where are the ultimate desicions made about what you're going to do? The brain is a collection of matter, evolved from much simpler designs that no one would argue posess a "will." Ours is more elaborate, and operates in an environment of variables so complex as to be hopelessly unpredictable, but it still stands to reason that the processes underlying it's operation are reducible to blind chemical interactions. The illusion is almost infinitely variable, and convincing enough to us as to render the question of our mental sovereignty silly, but that's only proof of it's effectiveness. I can't see an escape clause in the state of things that would allow us to supercede nature and be more than impressive automatons. You can dismiss me, pat your head and say "well of course I have unique volition," because, well, it just seems so, but how could it be? Where do "we" exist?
Posted by BeardedLady on November 10, 2002, at 14:31:32
In reply to Free will, posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 10, 2002, at 13:42:25
We like to think we're free, but we continue to make the same choices because of who we are.
beardy
Posted by Dr~Eamerz on November 10, 2002, at 21:23:30
In reply to Free will, posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 10, 2002, at 13:42:25
I suppose if we alienate our *selves* from external influences and stimuli then the brain would go meltdown until a re-ajustment takes place--yes that would be crazy literally..the need for water food would be excruciating and inner bodily operations / chemical interactions that take place that we are mostly unaware of would kill us.
So much subliminal and instinct, our consciousnesness-whatever that is - is a House of Tricks .
The brain is a sponge that we somehow have to squeese out the old soapy water...to replace with care.
As you say the word 'freewill' you are already a prisoner in the fact that to grasp the answer would take many evolutions of questioning and science.
Trying to trick the brain the automatic movements of the body-raising the arm as you type for instance being aware constantly of every action..it's hard and as one does that other 'signals' get missed.If this doesn't make sense or has gone on to a completely different tangent..ermm..I feelin so dumb : )
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 16, 2002, at 1:30:20
In reply to Re: Free will, posted by Dr~Eamerz on November 10, 2002, at 21:23:30
> As you say the word 'freewill' you are already a prisoner in the fact that to grasp the answer would take many evolutions of questioning and science.
--------------There's a line of argument that says we'll never understand the brain, because we're working at it using a brain. I'm not sure that I buy that, but we're certainly in the relative stone age right now.
This whole topic has really plagued me since I thought about it. We're not a coherent entity, but merely the aggregate action of many smaller systems and subsytems that work in unintelligent ways. It's an ontological nightmare ( http://www.angryflower.com/differ.gif )
Posted by dreamerz on November 16, 2002, at 7:54:29
In reply to Re: Free will » Dr~Eamerz, posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 16, 2002, at 1:30:20
This is the end of the thread.
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