Drose writes:
Actually, the levels work well, Ken. Free will is simply the freedom to
follow one's own conscience. In a deterministic universe there is no
choice but to follow the dictates of morality. An amoeba will not choose
to go to an acid solution because it has no choice.
Clark writes:
I do not agree with your statement that "In a deterministic universe
there is no choice but to follow the dictates of morality". The increase in
complexity that occurs as evolution advances effectively confers free will
in a deterministic universe. In the physical universe all possible choices
are tried and only those which exhibit further possibilities are followed.
I maintain that by the time evolution produces life that there is
effectively free will in the deterministic universe because of increasing
complexity. I would rather say that free will is simply the freedom to
pursue all possibilities and that is what humanity is doing in spite of
being part of a deterministic universe.
I also have trouble with your use of terms like "morality" without
defining what is meant. Morality in human terms is not the same as physical
morality. The physical morality of the rock or the amoeba or the human has
the same basis whereas humancentric morality offers the possibility of
being completely separate and at odds with physical morality. All of this
can take place in a deterministic universe because of complexity. Ken
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