Does Free Will Exist? A Quantum Physics Debate

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The discussion centers on the existence of free will in light of determinism and quantum physics. Some participants argue that while the universe may have deterministic elements, the emergence of consciousness and complex decision-making suggests a form of free will. Others contend that free will is an illusion, as all actions are ultimately caused by preceding events and physical laws. The conversation also touches on the idea that free will may not be absolute but exists within certain constraints, allowing individuals to make choices despite external influences. Ultimately, the debate highlights the complexity of human decision-making and the interplay between free will and determinism.
  • #91
....

Does A machine have emotion or something other that it's normal programing afecting it's ations?This force is NOT CAUSED BY ANY EXTERNAL FORCE WHATESOEVER as in the force in question must be completely inside the machine the anwser is no a machine does NOT have anything like emotion therefore you arguing the "Brain is like a machine" is invalid A MACHINE DOES NOT HAVE EMOTION OR ANYTHING SIMILAR THE BRAIN DOES, LARGE DIFERENCE
 
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  • #92
What if fate exists and everything that has been made on this Earth (be it trees, humans, birds, wasps) has a set purpose in life, and everything anyone or anything does or takes part in is premeditated?
Imagine sitting in the middle of the field. You pick one blade of grass. That was the blade of grass' destiny to be picked by you. Why? because that's how they want it.
What if we are all just like characters in a play, following the script, the stage directions, everything the director tells you to do.
What if you have no choice in the matter?
What if you can not be in control of your own life?
Everthing anyone or anything does however large or small sets off a domino effect.
If fate exists then it may not be concentrating on running your life, but the greater meaning to the world.
What is the greater meaning?
Why are we here if we have no control over what we do?
Why are we here if it is already done?
If fate exists does this mean we are in a loop?
could we be living the same destiny over and over?
Or do they update the program make a few changes to get the outcome they want?
What is it they want?
Who are they?
God?
 
  • #93
"fate" is simply a matter of geometry, speed and forces.
It does not exist
 
  • #94
michelle, i believe we are here because nature is figuring things out.
once again i divide into objective and subjective..

the scientific world is nothing but a means to an end, and the end being giving us the illusion of free will.

the solution to free will lies in quantum mechanics i believe.
if it so happens to be that the quantum world is truly undeterministic, it owuld have huge impact on how chemistry and biology would work.
so if it was undeterministic, we couldn't foresee who would do what.
 
  • #95
Yes, we only have the illusion of choice. it keeps us happy and makes us think that we have a chance to change our future.
 
  • #96
ahhh yes.. another one of THOSE posts. Doesn't anyone ever get tired of these?

It's a stalemate, as it's been proven time and time again. For every point that can be presented to support the case, a counterpoint can be made for the other side. If determinism is true, then free will is a carefully constructed illusion. If free will is true, you cannot prove that you would have made a different choice, given that all events are known. Blah blah blah...

sorry, this is like the 20th thread I've seen in 2 years.

However, if free will were true, I'd will there not to be another one of these threads again :-p
 
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