Would I? What’s the difference between how the illusion of free will feels and how the real thing feels? What is it about the real thing that would make the distinction more clear?
So you’re saying there’s things about the real thing (real free will) that we who don’t have it can’t even imagine?
It means we aren’t really choosing (not rocket science).
Be my guest.
Okay, fair enough. I can’t possibly ask more of you than this.
Thank you!!!
But in the either/or world [assuming there is one] there is a right side and a wrong side to choose. One’s answer is relative to that which can in fact be demonstrated to be the case for all rational human beings. With human minds, however, one can still be convinced that the wrong answer is the right answer “in his head”. And, most crucially, he behaves in accordance with what he thinks is true. And it is human behavior that precipitates actual consequences.
That’s right. So it comes down to that which is powerful enough to persuade a person to change his or her mind, and that which will never be powerful enough to persuade a person to change his or her mind.
Here of course all there is, is someone [anyone] asking you to demonstrate that what you believe is true is in fact true. And then to the extent that this might provide some measure of “comfort and consolation” – peacefullness – for some and not for others. But it’s still more than I am able to conjecture: “I” desintegrating back into star stuff. Not completely gone, but, come on, who is kidding whom.
Weren’t you just asking out of curiosity?
Clearly that is one way to look at at. Just as there are clearly other conflicting narratives. But how does that fit into “I” interacting with “we” interacting with “them” interacting on this particular planet in this particular solar system in this particular galaxy in what may or may not be this particular universe going back to something instead of nothing going back to the reason it is one rather than another going back to or not going back to God.
Biggy, I was being serious. Put your questions aside for a sec, and give what I said some thought. It’s one of the rare moments when I’m trying to help you. Take it. Although you’ve most likely thought of this tons of times before, you also keep bringing up the fact that you feel stuck in this dilemma of yourself, that life is not made peachy and rosy by it. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re depressed. See a doctor. Maybe you need medication. I’m not bringing this up as just another statement to be thrown into the philosophical mix. I’m serious. If you’re as bothered by this as you claim to be, I think you need help.