"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?

Igor @ 18/4/2018 12:14

Obviously it exists

Why do you say that?

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.

Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 13:53

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.

That´s an easy one, because you´re Ahoda.

Ahoda @ 18/4/2018 14:38

vladykins @ 18/4/2018 16:36 Nah, it's not anything spiritual that is driving you. it's all electrical impulse and chemical reactions. Why do you have certain kinks? It's not because you chose them, it's just stuff that turns you on chemically. I was thinking more along the lines of the people that think god choose this path and that type of thinking.

Well it contradicts the choice between good and evil, but you can find contradictions on most pages of the Bible.

vladykins @ 18/4/2018 14:37

Igor @ 18/4/2018 16:19 I can already tell this is going to be a shitty thread with a bunch of armchair philosophers spewing their nonsense Is there really any other kind of philosopher?

I'm more of a desk chair philosopher.

Primate @ 18/4/2018 15:11

I believe in limited free will.

How do you define limited free will?