Why do people always fall back to philosophy when talking about free will. It doesn’t need to be a metaphysical concept. It is pretty much a human trait, an attribute of human psychology. We all know we have free will, period.
Determinism is true but thermostats can still control the temperature. And nobody denies that thermostats control the temperature.
— Steven Landsburg paraphrasing Robert Nozick in The Big Questions
This is not a bias, it’s part of our subjective definition of being agents that are able to change their environment as it suits them.
Taking an outside view, I absolutely agree. There is no free will, no reasonable definition will fit those two words in succession. But from a inside view, it makes sense to talk about being free to choose.
Anyone who’s not sure what I mean I recommend reading this post:
What can we make of someone who says that materialism implies meaninglessness? I can only conclude that if I took them to see Seurat’s painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” they would earnestly ask me what on earth the purpose of all the little dots was.
I like to believe into a timeless universe. So I guess I’m not completely serious. But all this is quickly leaving the intention of this community. There’s probably not much practical value to be found in such musings and beliefs besides a poetic appeal and fun of thinking and dreaming about nonfactual possibilities.
I really have to think more and especially not publicly claim something when I’m too tired. I might consider a tattoo on the back of hands. Think first!
What I rather wanted to say is, it makes sense to talk about being able to realize your goals. Choice doesn’t exist, I contradicted myself there. I should quit now and for some time stop participating on LW. I have to continue with my studies. I was only drawn here by the deletion incident. Replies and that it is fun to to argue have made me babble too much in the past few days.
Why do people always fall back to philosophy when talking about free will. It doesn’t need to be a metaphysical concept. It is pretty much a human trait, an attribute of human psychology. We all know we have free will, period.
— Steven Landsburg paraphrasing Robert Nozick in The Big Questions
This is not a bias, it’s part of our subjective definition of being agents that are able to change their environment as it suits them.
Taking an outside view, I absolutely agree. There is no free will, no reasonable definition will fit those two words in succession. But from a inside view, it makes sense to talk about being free to choose.
Anyone who’s not sure what I mean I recommend reading this post:
Are you being serious or sarcastic here? I’m confused.
Now that was a unsettling reply.
I like to believe into a timeless universe. So I guess I’m not completely serious. But all this is quickly leaving the intention of this community. There’s probably not much practical value to be found in such musings and beliefs besides a poetic appeal and fun of thinking and dreaming about nonfactual possibilities.
I really have to think more and especially not publicly claim something when I’m too tired. I might consider a tattoo on the back of hands. Think first!
What I rather wanted to say is, it makes sense to talk about being able to realize your goals. Choice doesn’t exist, I contradicted myself there. I should quit now and for some time stop participating on LW. I have to continue with my studies. I was only drawn here by the deletion incident. Replies and that it is fun to to argue have made me babble too much in the past few days.
Back to being lurker. Thanks.
It certainly does.