I don't think it makes a difference. Even if everything on an atomic level is already set in motion (which, in terms of physics, I think it is) including my own brain and it's functioning, that doesn't make any of my experiences less real. It doesn't make my role in this 'fated' machine any different or less interesting.
This is why I'm strongly for a justice system that focuses on reforming people and deterring future criminal activity, as opposed to just getting retribution for crimes.
@OP, I think we, as a society, assume free will and accountability for choices because if we don't, that influences people's behavior in a negative way. We indeed can change our decision, but only when our surroundings incentivize us to do so. Think about how our society would be if we didn't assume that we could make our own choices, and didn't hold people accountable for anything... in that sense accountability is not metaphysically based, but influences our decisions in a positive way by correlating cause and effect.
vulcanlogician Wrote:Also, while I tend toward a rejection of free will, I'm no nihilist. I think that violence and crime are bad, but I don't reduce them to a simple free choice by the perpetrators of such actions.
This is why I'm strongly for a justice system that focuses on reforming people and deterring future criminal activity, as opposed to just getting retribution for crimes.
@OP, I think we, as a society, assume free will and accountability for choices because if we don't, that influences people's behavior in a negative way. We indeed can change our decision, but only when our surroundings incentivize us to do so. Think about how our society would be if we didn't assume that we could make our own choices, and didn't hold people accountable for anything... in that sense accountability is not metaphysically based, but influences our decisions in a positive way by correlating cause and effect.
