BBC: Horizon - Consciousness and free will

[CrazyHorse]

c0rd said:

ultima said:

OK, I understand now. Thanks for clearing that up.

What makes you think that people don't have free will? And if free will doesn't exist how can you possible hold anyone responsible for their actions? By that way of thinking, murderers murder and thieves steal because they don't have a choice...

I think free will probably doesn't exist, but I don't think it's all that bad. For example, many people seem to believe animals - take dogs for instance - aren't entirely responsible for what they do, and blame the owners when they behave badly. That's almost insinuating that dogs don't have free will.

Regarding murderers and thieves, the question of free will (if they're responsible or not) shouldn't be so important. The real question is if they're a threat to society, and this is discernible without knowing if free will exists.
(I just re-read the thread, CrazyHorse sort of said this already)

Somewhat off topic, but this is why I'm a bit unsettled when I see stuff like, "I hope Hitler burns in hell for all eternity." It's entirely possible that, if born in a different time, Hitler could have turned out to be a decent person. Ideally I think all people deserve happiness, though I know it isn't possible, so some must be sacrificed (throw em' in prison).

Btw ultima, I liked your explanation of how intelligent believers make religion evolve. It makes me laugh, somehow I find it humorous... I guess since I've had the same type of argument, so I completely agree.

Yeah I would agree with that, I think that addresses that point better than I did.