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Originally Posted by jibber
The fact thatw e have yet to program computers to think as humans do in my mind is concrete proof that the human mind is capable of free will.
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That statement kind of reminds me when whatshisface said that "everything that can be invented has been invented". The fact that we haven't managed to create something yet is not concrete proof that it isn't possible. Not at all. Obviously, it means its less likely than things which already have been achieved, but it doesn't mean its not possible for us to do.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Fal
It's an acceptance that a combination of situation and DNA are what affects my situation rather than clinging to some idea that we can always choose what to do.
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Is it not more the case that we
can always choose what we
intend to do but that your
choice in the first place is entirely directed by our DNA, previous experiences and the present situation (the situation provides the stimulus for your thoughts) and that the outcome of this choice similarly depends upon the same factors? Its just the "we can always choose what to do" phrase that seems a bit innacurate, as in a sense lack of free will doesn't mean people don't choose, it means their choices are directed and could probably be said to be predetermined.
I agree that a lack of free will, as far as that means your individual thoughts and actions being essentially inevitable, doesn't release you from holding responsibility for your actions. Why would it? If somebody is a criminal due to their DNA and their life experiences... they are still a criminal.