Reply to Re: Choices, options and freewill
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Quantum mechanics, at least the dominant interpretations of it, suggests that events on the atomic level have an element of randomness. So the history of the universe wouldn't be entirely predictable even if we knew all the initial conditions. So that would apply to our neurons too, and in that sense our wills could be "free," though probably in a different sense from what MsDink and maybe schnapper are using.
I think most discussions of free will equivocate (unintentionally) on the terms free and possibly will.
I have heard about this in quantum physics as well. I just don't know enough about it to know what it means for our actions. A random choice doesn't really appear to be "my choice" either. But it may be that at this point (in our brain) we can influence our choices at a biological level, it's just not clear to me.
If we understand what this means for our brain then we can probably say a lot more about free will or not. Projects are underway to understand the human brain by 2050 (hopefully) so that's promising research.
I think most discussions of free will equivocate (unintentionally) on the terms free and possibly will.
I have heard about this in quantum physics as well. I just don't know enough about it to know what it means for our actions. A random choice doesn't really appear to be "my choice" either. But it may be that at this point (in our brain) we can influence our choices at a biological level, it's just not clear to me.
If we understand what this means for our brain then we can probably say a lot more about free will or not. Projects are underway to understand the human brain by 2050 (hopefully) so that's promising research.
