Hello all, my name is Simon and I've been following this discussion for a few days now. I have been feeling out of my depth but the current topic has given me the courage to re-surface. The current problem of free will v determinism in a context of MOQ is succinctly put by Struan: "The problem is in the amount of confusion over the term 'free'."
It seems, as is so often if not always the case with philosophical problems, that everything hinges on our definitions of words and our interpretations of those definitions. We are indeed suspended in language. Ludwig Wittgenstein's assertion that the primary role of philosophy should be the definition of words seems particularly relevant here. To progress at all from this point we must establish exactly what we mean by such terms as "free", "will", "random" and "determine". I know this may be a pedantic exercise but without it we are dealing in vague concepts.
If free does not mean random choice (which I agree with, since absolute or pure spontaneity is a myth), does it mean choice which we merely consider to be free? Is free will and/or freedom an attitude or state of mind? Is free-will simply the awareness of motive at the point of conscious choice? Or perhaps the ability to control or at least monitor choice within the immediacy of experience?
Everything is "determined" or caused (bold, I know). Is the existence of freedom dependent not upon the presence or absence of cause, but upon the nature of the cause(s) and our disposition towards it/them?
I personally believe that free-will can and does follow deterministic patterns but that these patterns are, when meditated upon, part of us just as we are part of them.
If all is One (or Dynamic Quality), then the need for distinction evaporates.
Simon.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2000 3:05 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: MD The Bride of Free Will Returns
STRUAN:
<<
The problem is in the amount of confusion over the term 'free.' Free will
does not mean random
choices. Indeed it means precisely the opposite. Free will does mean that my
choices are determined
by my will.
I am convinced that if anyone reflects upon this argument properly and with
an open mind then they
will see that it is fairly conclusive. I am equally convinced that (by
coincidence) it is consistent
with the principles of the moq.
>>
ROGER:
I strongly agree. Self determination is the key.
Rog
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