On 3/7/2013 1:50 PM, Russell Standish wrote:
I see what you mean, but some could argue that when you use a random
>device (like a coin) to make a decision, you abandon free will.
>Indeed you let a coin decide for you, when free will meant more that
>you are the one making the free decision.
>
That hinges on the self-other distinction. A random coin toss is not
considered free will, as you are subsuming your will to an external
agent (the coin). But when you make a decision due to a random firing
of a neuron (random because the synaptic junctions are
thermodynamically noisy), then that is_you_ making the decision, it
is_your_ free will.
Or you can take a more expansive view of yourself and note that it was YOU who decided to
use the coin flip and to act on it.
As Dennett says, you can avoid all responsibility if you only make yourself
small enough.
Brent
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