Two Astrophysicists Debate Free Will
StarTalk・13 minutes read
Physicists argue that predetermined outcomes based on initial conditions suggest everything is predetermined, although stochastic uncertainty introduces unpredictability. Past experiences and current environment heavily influence decision-making, leading to limitations on free will in certain scenarios.
Insights
- Physicists argue that predetermined outcomes are influenced by antecedents causing events, suggesting a lack of true randomness in the universe.
- Decisions are heavily shaped by past experiences and external factors, potentially limiting the extent of free will individuals possess, as highlighted in scenarios like reacting to a joke or making split-second choices in sports.
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Recent questions
Is everything predetermined?
Yes
How do past experiences influence decisions?
By informing choices
Does chaos affect decision-making?
Physicists debate this
Can individuals make choices freely?
Influenced by various factors
How does training affect decision-making?
It can limit free will
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Summary
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Determinism vs. Free Will: Predetermined Outcomes
- Observing causality at a certain resolution level indicates predetermined outcomes based on initial conditions.
- Physicists argue that everything is predetermined due to antecedents causing events.
- Stochastic uncertainty and randomness in the universe introduce unpredictability.
- Physicists question the level of chaos influencing decision-making.
- Past experiences and current environment inform decisions, even in new situations.
- In a scenario where a joke falls flat, individuals have choices based on past experiences.
- Training and experience influence instantaneous decisions, potentially limiting free will.
- Reacting to situations, like a football player sacking a quarterback, may not involve free will.
- The debate on free will leans towards absence due to biological and societal factors.
