[GMT]

Does free will even actually exist? I've heard that everything you do, all of your actions and decisions, are based off past experiences subconsciously (whether you know it or not). Since you aren't in control of your gender, D.O.B., location, or any of that stuff, you aren't in control of your experiences either to some extent. So what I deduce from this is that since everything you have ever thought of or acted upon derived from other events that you were not directly in control of, free will doesn't exist. The main reason I believe free will doesn't exist is that the first event in your life is totally out of your hands so everything after that is just being built up off of that, excuse me if this sounds ridiculous.

[La Li Lu Le Lo]

Obviously it exists, but you can't control EVERYTHING.

[hackm]

100% yes, as long as gravity and physics will allow it.

But sometimes free will has consequences. The use of illicit drugs will net you prison time, harming a person may get you the death penalty, and so on.

[FromTheWorldUp]

I believe we are significantly influenced by our past but not controlled by it. Like you mentioned, thoughts are an important part of the equation and though they may be greatly influenced by experiences and triggered by observations outside or our control, they are also influenced by personality. I do believe our personality developed and changes as we grow and gain experience but I don't believe babies are blank slates who's personality is solely learned. They show personality so early I just don't see that as possible. I know that's not entirely scientific but it's my view on it.

I understand what you're saying though. In a system of laws can there be any kind of chaos or is everything just variables fed into a formula? I don't know that I would necessarily agree that predictability is the same as predestination though. I mean is knowing the future making the future or simply observing it? Obviously we don't have enough facts and tools when it comes to psychology etc. to say one way or another yet, but I believe if there's anything with any degree of freewill in the world it would be the human mind because people seem to be born with unique personalities that sometimes even develop in ways that seem to be in complete opposition to their circumstances.

Yes, I know this answer is completely opinion based and likely not nearly scientific or sound enough for the people who frequent this part of the forums, but any argument is going to be inconclusive anyways when it comes to this topic because it requires absolute knowledge of everything to know if it is all simply a cause and effect.

[Agent Blackout]

Does free will even actually exist? I've heard that everything you do, all of your actions and decisions, are based off past experiences subconsciously (whether you know it or not). Since you aren't in control of your gender, D.O.B., location, or any of that stuff, you aren't in control of your experiences either to some extent. So what I deduce from this is that since everything you have ever thought of or acted upon derived from other events that you were not directly in control of, free will doesn't exist. The main reason I believe free will doesn't exist is that the first event in your life is totally out of your hands so everything after that is just being built up off of that, excuse me if this sounds ridiculous.

Good question.

Objectively, we can only speculate. LOL
We will never know everything we need to know in order to prove for certain in either direction.

[sullenstare]

interesting. I find it kind of funny that your theory would fit with both nature and nurture. However, deciding wether we have free will or not based on this idea is like deciding if something is completely black or white, why not the gray area? Generally, we have a lack of free will, because as long as we have laws are actions will be limited, hence limiting the free will. However, i do have to agree with what has been said how our past and experiences can influence us, maybe to a point thats dramatic and almost no longer influence and is complete control, but we have control over our thoughts in the end, more or less. If that makes sense

[Einstein]

Actually I'm the only one with free will. Everyone else does what I say.

[jeffbobs]

Does free will even actually exist? I've heard that everything you do, all of your actions and decisions, are based off past experiences subconsciously (whether you know it or not). Since you aren't in control of your gender, D.O.B., location, or any of that stuff, you aren't in control of your experiences either to some extent. So what I deduce from this is that since everything you have ever thought of or acted upon derived from other events that you were not directly in control of, free will doesn't exist. The main reason I believe free will doesn't exist is that the first event in your life is totally out of your hands so everything after that is just being built up off of that, excuse me if this sounds ridiculous.

I think you can conciously choose things, i can choose to do certain things but past experiences have told me not to do certain things, but if it is for reasons like pain or suffering, you can still pick them, u can still choose the painful choice but why.

You are subconciously driven to populate, but it is not your subconsious making you have sex, u have to make that choice yourself, you sub concious cannot take control of your body, only make u have feelings over certain choices

[Enkidu]

This is just like the economics saying, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" or Ben Franklin's overused adage, "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety."

Imagine how much choice a 12 year old girl in wartorn Liberia has in her life. Can she choose not to be circumcised, abused, or live a life of household servitude? Education and safety give the illusion of free will. This stuff is the bread and butter of political theory.

Rousseau: "Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains."

[Obsidean]

I'm a big fan of B. F. Skinner and epigenetics, so no, I do not believe in free will. But hey, I might be wrong. Contingencies are a bitch.