If we look at ourselves, at our ability to deliberate and make choices, it seems obvious that we are free. On the other hand, if we look at what we believe about causality (that every event must have a cause), it appears that we do not have free will but that we are determined. We seem to have inconsistent beliefs.
Part One:
via videosift.com
Part Two:
Part Three:
This show is part of a series on philosophy -- I hope to post other topics in the future.
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Great topic. Good documentary, but it was mostly a justification for determinism.
ReplyDeleteI think we have free will and that we can and do choose our path - constantly - will tiny and small decisions as well as large ones.
Whenever the phone rings, I decide what to do; there's nothing automatic about it.
Hey Tom,
ReplyDeleteI agree -- they seem to push for the deterministic view.
I also believe in free will, but it requires that we are awake.
Some things, like answering the phone, seem simple. Others, like our actions and reactions can be almost automatic, without any real thought on our parts, unless we have learned to be mindful.
Peace,
Bill