Introduction to this blog

Consciousness can be generated by the process of computation! This is the claim of neuroscientists and computer scientists. However, the Vedic literature provides a clear idea that conscious by its nature is not a matter and hence it cannot be generated by any kind of complex computation that is due to matter. This blog is to explore the science of consciousness from Vedic perspective.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Arguments on Free Will

Following are the formal arguments presented in "Scientific Challenges to Free Will" by EDDY NAHMIAS

Argument on Determinism:

[D1]Free will requires that determinism is false.
[D2]Science is showing that determinism is true.
[D3]So, science is showing that we do not have free will.


Argument on Mechanism:

[M1] Free will requires that mechanism is false.
[M2] Science is showing that mechanism is true.
[M3] So, science is showing that we do not have free will.


Argument on Explanation:


[E1] Free will requires that one’s actions properly derive from one’s conscious
        reasoning, decisions, and intentions.
[E2] Science is showing that our actions do not properly derive from our
        conscious reasoning, decisions, and intentions.
[E3] So, science is showing that we do not have free will.

Argument Rationalization:


[R1] Free will requires that one’s actions properly derive from decisions or inten- tions that one has at some point consciously considered, or at least that one would accept, as one’s reasons for acting.
[R2] Science is showing that our actions do not properly derive from decisions or intentions that we have consciously considered or would accept as our reasons for acting. Rather, our actions are produced by other factors, and we rationalize them after the fact.
[R3]  So, science is showing that we do not have free will.



How are we the spiritualist going to counter act on these argument which are based on scientific evidence? Quest for understanding free will continue...


Jaynarayan, Bangalore, India

No comments: