Greetings,
KEN:
"I am also troubled by the fact that Pirsig goes to great lengths to show
us a pretty picture of the formation of the universe as a purely
deterministic system then switches to discussions about the role of humanity
in the universe which injects randomness back into the picture without
making a case for it. Someone(Struan, I think) pointed this out the other
day and seemed to think it was OK. I do not think it is OK."
Not guilty. I would say that the universe is probably deterministic - although there could be some
degree of randomness - and that humans simply follow that same pattern. Remember that free will does
not hinge upon randomness as opposed to determinism. If my choices are governed by random events
then they are no more or less free than if they are determined by classical cause and effect. If
(simplistically) an electron were to wizz off at a random tangent in my brain thus causing a choice
to be made that wouldn't have been made in a purely physically deterministic system, then my choice
is still not free from cause. It is determined by that random event!!!! ('Blown about in the wind
of DQ', as Horse put it)
Therefore determinism is actually VITAL to free will. If my choices and will are part of the system
then they can influence that system, (this notion would seem to me to be entirely consistent with
the moq's refusal of a mind/matter dichotomy BTW), and in influencing that system my choices and
will are free. They are part of the causal chain!! If, on the other hand, my choices and will are
subject to random interference then they are not free because the outcome will be random and
contrary to my choices.
The problem is in the amount of confusion over the term 'free.' Free will does not mean random
choices. Indeed it means precisely the opposite. Free will does mean that my choices are determined
by my will.
I am convinced that if anyone reflects upon this argument properly and with an open mind then they
will see that it is fairly conclusive. I am equally convinced that (by coincidence) it is consistent
with the principles of the moq.
Struan
------------------------------------------
Struan Hellier
< mailto:struan@clara.co.uk>
"All our best activities involve desires which are disciplined and
purified in the process."
(Iris Murdoch)
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