"Free will is the ability to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded."

A philosophical topic for over 2 millenia.
Did I have a say in making this poll a day late or was it predetermined?
If it was predetermined, does that mean free will doesn't exist?

What do you think?

Obviously it exists

Igor @ 18/4/2018 12:14

Obviously it exists

Why do you say that?

Can we get a Vlady vs FE debate for 40 pages?

It doesn't come even close to existing. You may think you have choices, but every choice you make is heavily dependent on your environment, your "morals" (i.e. your upbringing), and the external stresses involved in the situation. Your choices are basically made for you before you even realize it.

Spin @ 18/4/2018 14:31

It doesn't come even close to existing. You may think you have choices, but every choice you make is heavily dependent on your environment, your "morals" (i.e. your upbringing), and the external stresses involved in the situation. Your choices are basically made for you before you even realize it.

What made me just pick my nose?

Spin @ 18/4/2018 12:31

It doesn't come even close to existing. You may think you have choices, but every choice you make is heavily dependent on your environment, your "morals" (i.e. your upbringing), and the external stresses involved in the situation. Your choices are basically made for you before you even realize it.

You can add your internal state to that list, chemicals in your brain, tiredness and hunger levels etc.

Using the definition you posted. It doesn't sound like it.

say I'm at a store. And I'm looking to buy a bag of chips. I'm deciding between two different flavours that I like. Same brand, same size, same price. Does free will exist in that situation? Please advise.

Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 14:34

Spin @ 18/4/2018 14:31 It doesn't come even close to existing. You may think you have choices, but every choice you make is heavily dependent on your environment, your "morals" (i.e. your upbringing), and the external stresses involved in the situation. Your choices are basically made for you before you even realize it. What made me just pick my nose?

Probably a nerve ending in the inside of your nose sent a 'general discomfort' signal to your brain, which then sent a signal to your hand to address the discomfort.

Spin @ 18/4/2018 15:47

Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 14:34 Spin @ 18/4/2018 14:31 It doesn't come even close to existing. You may think you have choices, but every choice you make is heavily dependent on your environment, your "morals" (i.e. your upbringing), and the external stresses involved in the situation. Your choices are basically made for you before you even realize it. What made me just pick my nose? Probably a nerve ending in the inside of your nose sent a 'general discomfort' signal to your brain, which then sent a signal to your hand to address the discomfort.

I had a tissue here that I could have blew my nose and got the booger out. Instead i used my finger.

Christian @ 18/4/2018 15:33

say I'm at a store. And I'm looking to buy a bag of chips. I'm deciding between two different flavours that I like. Same brand, same size, same price. Does free will exist in that situation? Please advise.

In econ speak, you will go for the one that gives you more "utils". Unless you specifically decide to "prove" you have free will but picking against what provides you more utils. Granted, you are probably hardwired to rebel like that, so...

Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 15:53

Spin @ 18/4/2018 15:47 Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 14:34 Spin @ 18/4/2018 14:31 It doesn't come even close to existing. You may think you have choices, but every choice you make is heavily dependent on your environment, your "morals" (i.e. your upbringing), and the external stresses involved in the situation. Your choices are basically made for you before you even realize it. What made me just pick my nose? Probably a nerve ending in the inside of your nose sent a 'general discomfort' signal to your brain, which then sent a signal to your hand to address the discomfort. I had a tissue here that I could have blew my nose and got the booger out. Instead i used my finger.

Yes, but was the finger more efficient, if grosser? Do you care about gross factor enough to worry?

vladykins @ 18/4/2018 16:03

Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 15:53 Spin @ 18/4/2018 15:47 Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 14:34 Spin @ 18/4/2018 14:31 It doesn't come even close to existing. You may think you have choices, but every choice you make is heavily dependent on your environment, your "morals" (i.e. your upbringing), and the external stresses involved in the situation. Your choices are basically made for you before you even realize it. What made me just pick my nose? Probably a nerve ending in the inside of your nose sent a 'general discomfort' signal to your brain, which then sent a signal to your hand to address the discomfort. I had a tissue here that I could have blew my nose and got the booger out. Instead i used my finger. Yes, but was the finger more efficient, if grosser? Do you care about gross factor enough to worry?

Kleenex is always more efficient.

I do wonder if the people that think everything is predetermined are more spiritual then the free will believers.