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?

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.

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?

This doersn't mean we aren't all thermodynamic miracles, though.

Mercator @ 18/4/2018 16:57

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.

Does the desk chair have arms? If not, get a new desk chair and join the arm chair philosopher brigade.

Vlad E. Kins, M.A., B.A., A.C.P.B.

Hetm @ 21/4/2018 11:00

These chemicals in your brain that determines your actions, it's basically you on a microscopic level. I guess that's why you change as you grow older since cells die and are replaced.

I knew you were gonna say that.