X-Message-Number: 2706
From: 
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 16:46:37 EDT
Subject: CRYONICS free will

A couple of comments (old stuff) on free will in re Mr. Riskin's note:

"Free will" seems meaningful only in a quantitative sense--i.e., someone
drugged or obviously coerced has reduced freedom, not being permitted to
function normally. But "free will" in an absolute or antideterministic sense
is probably meaningless.  Our freedom exists on a conscious level, not at the
level of cause and effect among basic particles and fields. These conclusions
would not be affected by the existence of Mr. Riskin's putative special organ
or brain subset.

The only glimmering of possible error here might stem from speculative causal
loops in time, bootstrap quantum effects, or the like. In ordinary physics,
where cause precedes effect, there seems to be not even any partial escape
from determinism--nor should we want such an "escape. "  As far as I can see,
any non-deterministic world would be less desirable and totally beyond
understanding.

Since  the badly chosen term "free will" concerns choices, hence wants and
values, there is a connection between the "self circuit" and free will. The
self circuit is the seat of feeling, hence it is the ground of being and the
ultimate source of all our wants. (It is also the source of consciousness,
which I define as the integration of feeling and computing.) Will or drive
arises from wants creating values and goals. It is still ultimately
mechanistic--on a subconscious level-- but why should that bother us? It's
peachy keen to be a machine--because machines can be repaired and improved.


Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=2706