holmes writes:
Computers are rule systems which have set decision making guidance systems. Indeed without a program to force the computer to engage a problem, it will sit and do nothing. All of this has been programmed in by people, and it is unlikely that a computer "feels" like it is doing anything. They certainly do not have free will.
Human decision making is different. I know for certain that I feel like I have free will. While I might have predispositions, I am capable of choosing anything at any time, including overriding longheld decisionmaking "rules".
Are you overriding the rules, or is it just that the situation has changed, and the reaction called for has followed suit?
For example, a discussion on free will can generate a contrarian mindset. When I went out for a smoke just now, I gave the cat's litter box a little kick. Why? Because I was looking for an example of something that's outside my usual routine, and something so nonsensical fit the bill. However, in light of the situation, kicking it makes perfect sense. I needed an example -- "kicking the litter box" popped to mind -- so I did it to make a point.
I did what the situation called for. The factors weren't obvious (someone who didn't know I was talking about the decision-making process right beforehand wouldn't be able to figure out why I kicked the litter box) but the factors were there.
This message has been edited by DominionSeraph, 03-10-2005 20:06 AM
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