I believe the whole free-will vs. no free-will argument has to be more subtle, more nuanced, more complicated and less obvious than the debates I’ve seen on internet message boards make it out to be, but I’m not familiar with any background material or explainers that would deepen my understanding.
Because, you know, the facile response to the entire question is something like “If there is no free will, then I have no choice about whether or not I believe in free will,” which would seem to short-circuit any possible change in our behaviors and attitudes. Probably the serious thinkers on this question have something less self-defeating in mind.
“Free will” is a phrase humans invented so they can pretend their consciousness is magic.
It is true that we do not choose our beliefs. But we can choose (through biological processes, not magic) what we are exposed to, we can choose to investigate certain questions further. Some people choose to ignore inconsistencies in their mental model, which can be very harmful.
I believe the whole free-will vs. no free-will argument has to be more subtle, more nuanced, more complicated and less obvious than the debates I’ve seen on internet message boards make it out to be, but I’m not familiar with any background material or explainers that would deepen my understanding.
Because, you know, the facile response to the entire question is something like “If there is no free will, then I have no choice about whether or not I believe in free will,” which would seem to short-circuit any possible change in our behaviors and attitudes. Probably the serious thinkers on this question have something less self-defeating in mind.
So, can anyone recommend some specific resources?
“Free will” is a phrase humans invented so they can pretend their consciousness is magic.
It is true that we do not choose our beliefs. But we can choose (through biological processes, not magic) what we are exposed to, we can choose to investigate certain questions further. Some people choose to ignore inconsistencies in their mental model, which can be very harmful.