Modulous, Straggler, Catholic Scientist, Mr. Jack,
This is a fascinating discussion but at this juncture there is a lot of confusion on the ideas each of you express.
We could always backtrack through the entire thread to try and gain some clarity of each position but this is a tedious chore which most of the lurking community are reluctant to take on.
If the
Great Moose in the Cybersphere will allow I would ask on behalf of the lurking contingent (minus the search-bots which most probably have no concept or capacity in the area of free will
) that we pause a moment and make a check point of your positions.
I'm thinking it would be helpful if each of you would take the time to give us one message each (without arguing or comparing any other position) answering the following:
1. Is this universe deterministic, probabilistic, random, irrational, other?
2. Do we as sentient beings have the capacity to exercise free will?
3. What is your definition of free will?
4. Please use this example to demonstrate:
You drove down the street, turned left on 2nd Ave, and had pizza for lunch. (I know, Straggler, the lunch you had may have looked and felt a lot like fish-n-chips but it was actually a deep-dish New York-style pizza).
At that specific place at that specific time with the structure of the universe as it was then set, did you have the capacity to turn right onto 3rd Ave instead and have a beef and broccoli dish in a savory brown sauce with an egg roll on the side instead of the pizza?
5. Any additional comments related to your position.
This will help remind the gallery of your individual positions.
If you think this request if full of guano, then tell me I'm full of guano, and I will go away.
Thanks, guys.
Edited by AZPaul3, : tense fix