Just today, I found my self in a discussion with Christian about the ability of choosing. You see, among some it is debated that humans don't really have a choice, and that they simply act according to the factors they are presented with, and that they could act in no other way. I see where the argument comes from, nonetheless, I do not believe in it. I believe that the ability to choose is very real and is what brings meaning to our beliefs and what we love. I was talking to one of the Socratic Seminar teachers about "The Little Prince" and she was telling me that her favorite part was when the prince was saying what had caused him to build such a love for his rose; sheltering her from the cold, tending to her needs, protecting her.
The more I thought about this, the more I agree with this, but I also have come to the conclusion that we need to believe we have a choice. Perhaps we all are just part of some program that tells us all what to do-- so what! We enjoy choosing, life means so much more when you know that you can choose, that you are part of a cause and affect. Life loses its intricate beauty and meaning if we lose that part of us, if we allow ourselves to submit to life as it would take us without intended interaction. In fact, our interaction could be to let ourselves "go with the flow", but that is a choice we have conscientiously made.
You are at complete liberty to disagree with this, however I hope you will consider it.
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2 comments:
Personally, I kindof see it as a compromise. You're given your situation, and you can't do anything about what happens to you. However, beyond that, we are at full liberty to decide what happens after that. In fact, inaction, or 'going with the flow' is a conscious choice.
However, I will say that people are inclined to make certain decisions based on instinct and conditioning. Sometimes these natural reactions may not seem like a choice, but with conditioning anything like that can be overcome.
Life doesn't only lose its meaning and passion when they acknowledge the loss of free will, society can't function, either. No one has any responsibilities, since, because you have no control over what you do, why even try to change things? Also, the very concept of crime and punishment is based on the concept of free will. Why punish someone for something they had no choice in to begin with? To protect others? It wouldn't really matter, since you don't have any real power, since you have no free will.
Free will is absolutely central to Western civilization, at least in practice. On could argue that that is not true in Eastern civilization, tying in with what we've been learning in Mr. Dye's class about Wu-Wei (basically the idea that attempting to 'tamper' with the natural order in things will only end badly). It ties in with Taoism.
But, really, it makes you realize that this conflict has no actual practical value. People will always 'choose' what they will and won't think about it. It's just human nature. But, like you said, it is crucial to our well being that we believe in free will, as opposed to an existential belief in universal pointlessness. It's about happiness. It's irrelevant and (most likely) impossible to prove either way, so why not choose the one that will make you more content?
That might not sound very scientific, but that's my belief. I'd like to hear your feedback. Thanks.
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