Quote (Thor123422 @ May 6 2013 08:37pm)

I'll do some linking when I get back from work  but there's a decent amount of evidence going as far back as the 70's showing we make decisions several seconds before we are aware of it and that we can predict the decisions from basic choices before any subject even thinks they have their mind made up.  There is evidence for determinism and for free will, and we can't draw a conclusion at this point.  You are being just as "hurr durr" as the ones you are criticizing and being pretty childish about it.

Quote (AEtheric @ May 6 2013 10:26pm)

Determinism is so fucking stupid. Most likely our brains run off of some sort of fuzzy logic or even less determinate than that. There are so many neurons and connections constantly disconnecting and connecting and firing as well as receiving different chemicals, all the while evolving for maximum efficiency and accuracy, or devolving,that I can't possibly see how you think it's all just 'elementary chemistry'; did you also forget that the brain is affected by electromagnetism and generates its own fields, not to mention the heart which generates a field that allows it to give the brain a rhythm apart from the signals themselves coming from the heart?  There are so many goddamned variables and yet you morons claim that 'hurr durr look at my 19th century view of the world, it's all mechanistic!"  Figure out how the brain processes choices and how free will, or the illusion thereof, is generated apart from all of the other goings-on in the brain.

Seriously, did you guys forget that there is a mind that you use?  That can affect your brain in ways that we would have to spend billions of dollars on chemicals and pharmaceuticals just to mimic meditation sessions?

Quote (OnlyD3 @ May 7 2013 12:48pm)

You're only helping my argument by clarifying the science.

Just because these other things you mention affect the reactions in the brain, does not mean that free will exists. I do not choose for nature to alter my physical brain, nor do I choose how chemicals react.

Quote (Lifebane99 @ May 6 2013 10:49pm)

Aetheric, being the prominent atheist of pard probably agrees with you.

Quote (OnlyD3 @ May 7 2013 12:51pm)

I'm not sure. He just called it "fucking stupid".

Quote (Lifebane99 @ May 6 2013 10:52pm)

I am not sure you are really qualified to be a part of the debate you started 

Quote (OnlyD3 @ May 7 2013 12:56pm)

Thanks for your input. His intent is ambiguous as he first states that free will is falsifiable, and determinism is not, but then calls determinism fucking stupid. I believe I am missing some information.

Btw, there's no need for insults or vague assesments of my ability to debate.

Quote (Lifebane99 @ May 6 2013 10:59pm)

I am unsure what you do not understand here, can you explain the part you are struggling with?
None of those comments contradicts the others.

Quote (OnlyD3 @ May 6 2013 08:56pm)

Thanks for your input. His intent is ambiguous as he first states that free will is falsifiable, and determinism is not, but then calls determinism fucking stupid. I believe I am missing some information.

Btw, there's no need for insults or vague assesments of my ability to debate.