Philosophical Question #12

It’s time to drag out a time-honored classic.  Yes, it’s déjà vu all over again.

The Questions:

1. Since it’s a fact that our brains are fundamentally made up of particles (which behave probabilistically, according to the Uncertainty Principle), how can we know, indeed prove, we have free will?  Aren’t we merely reacting versus proacting to the dictates of those particles?  (I.e., the particles control us, we don’t control them.)  Hence, no free will?

2. And further, since external stimuli that we can’t control affects our sensory perceptions (our five senses) and act upon those probabilistic brain particles, is that not further evidence that we react versus proact?  Hence, no free will?

3. With the above particle and stimuli arguments in mind, if you still believe we have free will, make your case.

Note: Regarding question 3, I’m not asking if it matters to you or you care (some always defer to that non-answer). I’m asking you to prove your knowledge of free will… if you can.

(by PrimalSoup)

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