Free will and Emmy Noether's theorem of time invariant systems

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Emmy Noether's theorem establishes that time-invariant laws of physics lead to the conservation of energy, which directly challenges the concept of free will. The discussion posits that brain states, being energy states, transition through energy transfer, adhering to deterministic laws. Therefore, if the universe operates under time-invariant laws, free will cannot exist, as it would require constant changes in these laws within our minds. This argument suggests that without variability in physical laws, human actions remain predetermined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Emmy Noether's theorem
  • Knowledge of conservation of energy principles
  • Familiarity with deterministic systems in physics
  • Basic concepts of brain states and energy transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Noether's theorem in modern physics
  • Explore the relationship between determinism and free will in philosophical discourse
  • Investigate the neuroscience of decision-making and brain state transitions
  • Examine alternative theories of free will and their critiques
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, physicists, neuroscientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of physics and the concept of free will.

jmblock2
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hey all,

Since first learning about Emmy Noether's proof that time invariant laws of physics imply conservation of energy, I can't shake the idea that this is the argument against the notion of free will. Here is my argument:

By Noether's first theorem, whenever the laws are invariant in time, energy is conserved where those laws govern.
The universe's laws have so far been observed to be time invariant.
Brain states are the superposition of all the smaller individual energy states.
Transitions from anyone brain state to another is just the transfer of energy.
Since it's energy transfer, it is conserved and obeys a completely causal relationship.
QED no free will.

Additionally, for there to be free will, wouldn't the laws of physics have to be constantly changing, inside each and every one of our heads for each free will action to actually be free will? Any time they aren't changing then the system is deterministic and there couldn't be free will.

Thoughts, comments... has anyone seen this argument before? Thanks,

Jacob B
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This thread does not meet the minimum requirements to post in this section. Please be sure to read both sets of rules stickied at the top of the philosophy forum. Rules must be followed when posting.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
611
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K