RE: Free Will, Decision making and religion
March 14, 2015 at 11:44 am
(This post was last modified: March 14, 2015 at 11:47 am by Smaug.)
Whether the Universe is absolutely deterministic as Laplace viewed it or fundamentally possesses an element of probability is an open question. Moreover it is not known whether this question can be answered at all (it's a philosophical issue). Speaking of my own view on this subject I assume that there is an element of probability. Anyway, math shows that even in a strictly deterministic set a dynamical system as complex as human brain, let alone the whole Universe exhibits chaotic behaviour that allows us to view such a system as a technically stochastic one.
Speaking philosophically, my concept of Free Will implies that there exists a set of possible ways (displacements) that one's mind may take. The term possible displacement is used here roughly in the same sence as it is used in variational principles. Thus it is such a displacement that is allowed by the constrains set upon the system. In this respect constrains may be both purely physical and social or psychological. A moment of decision-making is such a moment when between multiple possible ways an actual way is chosen. The machanism of choice may be a fully deterministic one or a stochastic one and doesn't play a crucial role. I like to stess that in no way I'm trying to present a scientific hypothesis here, just philosophizing a little.
Considering the above definition it may be said that Free Will exists when there's more than one possible way to choose between. Although it's clear from the beginning that there is only one actual way (a "trajectory").
Speaking philosophically, my concept of Free Will implies that there exists a set of possible ways (displacements) that one's mind may take. The term possible displacement is used here roughly in the same sence as it is used in variational principles. Thus it is such a displacement that is allowed by the constrains set upon the system. In this respect constrains may be both purely physical and social or psychological. A moment of decision-making is such a moment when between multiple possible ways an actual way is chosen. The machanism of choice may be a fully deterministic one or a stochastic one and doesn't play a crucial role. I like to stess that in no way I'm trying to present a scientific hypothesis here, just philosophizing a little.
Considering the above definition it may be said that Free Will exists when there's more than one possible way to choose between. Although it's clear from the beginning that there is only one actual way (a "trajectory").
