1 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
View submission: A question for Objectivists
But my intelligence (ability to be aware) is caused by my development (outside my control), my genetics (outside my control), and my environment (outside my control).
And what in my environment I was aware of at any given point in time is (obviously) dependent on my environment.
For example: let's say I decide to start eating more protein because it aids my ability to think rationally. Well I came to think that doing so would have that affect by learning: by becoming aware of something in my environment (outside my control). My ability to be aware of said information derived from factors stated above (outside my control).
And acting in my own rational self-interest is simply what living creatures do. Other living creatures only appear to not do so because they are unaware of things that another might be aware of. For example: philosophy, or a sense of responsibility for one self, etc, that the latter learned through no fault of their own by being exposed to such information via their environment.
For example: Does somebody growing up in 5th century BC Mesopotamia choose to not be a Christian? How can they, it hasn't existed yet. Do you choose to believe in water? No, you've experienced water (through no fault of your own) and now you believe in it.
Where is the free will?
Comment by prometheus_winced at 08/03/2025 at 07:07 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I’m not selling you free will. You just wrote a bunch of word salad.
There is still no other person you can turn over control of yourself to. You are always the pilot, no matter what.
A lot of belief systems exist to relieve you of that pressure. Ask yourself who benefits if you do that.