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I agree that people take a little knowledge and run with it (myself included). But doesn’t the mere existence of random processes in quantum theory suggest that

I agree that people take a little knowledge and run with it (myself included). But doesn’t the mere existence of random processes in quantum theory suggest that there is a route for non-deterministic action (I.e. free will). So although quantum randomness cannot currently be linked to consciousness, there’s no fundamental idea in quantum theory that precludes humans affecting the “randomness” via some yet unidentified mechanism. To simplify, the fundamental question of human free will is “why does it feel like we can freely make decisions?” And quantum theory can provide an ‘out’ that it feels this way because our decisions change the results of otherwise seemingly stochastic processes. If the universe isn’t choosing the outcome deterministically, maybe our consciousness is.

stametseater 4y ago
Quantum physics doesn't offer a mechanism for free will, the best it offers is a "gap" for you to squeeze your god into: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_the_gaps https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_the_gaps
- brutusborn 4y ago
  I wouldn’t say consciousness is my god, rather it is a concept I like to ponder sometimes. Assuming you believe in determinism, what is your explanation for stochastic processes? My naive view is that you either need faith that we will discover a deterministic explanation for the perceived randomness, or you need to drop your assumption of a deterministic universe. If you drop that assumption, why do you still reject the possibility of free will? I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I don’t think your chain of reasoning makes sense. Edit: I decided to have a look for more knowledgeable opinions than mine, and found a Nobel laureate who thinks there is a possibility https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchestrated_objective_reduction https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchestrated_objective_reduc... . As far as I can tell none of his theory has been falsified.

stametseater 4y ago

Quantum physics doesn't offer a mechanism for free will, the best it offers is a "gap" for you to squeeze your god into: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_the_gaps https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_the_gaps

brutusborn 4y ago
I wouldn’t say consciousness is my god, rather it is a concept I like to ponder sometimes. Assuming you believe in determinism, what is your explanation for stochastic processes? My naive view is that you either need faith that we will discover a deterministic explanation for the perceived randomness, or you need to drop your assumption of a deterministic universe. If you drop that assumption, why do you still reject the possibility of free will? I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I don’t think your chain of reasoning makes sense. Edit: I decided to have a look for more knowledgeable opinions than mine, and found a Nobel laureate who thinks there is a possibility https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchestrated_objective_reduction https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchestrated_objective_reduc... . As far as I can tell none of his theory has been falsified.