The Topic:
Do we have agency in our lives? Is free will an illusion? In this seminar, we will explore some of the big questions that have confounded philosophers and scientists since the dawn of civilization.
Readings:
- Intro to Scientific Determinism. YouTube video by philoteacher
- Is Free Will An Illusion? Chronicle of Higher Education, with links to additional articles.
- Eternal Election, By which God has predestined some to salvation and others to destruction. Institutes of the Christian Religion.
Discussion Questions:
- What is Free Will? A Soul? God?
- With regards to life, where do we draw the limit as to what life forms possess free will?
- Do you believe in some higher being or ultimate structure to the universe?
- If so what element of control did it have in bringing about life and does it have in determining what the future will be?
- If not, how do you account for the complex structure of a universe that ultimately exists in such a specific way as to support the formation of life?
- Can we change who we are or we are destined to be based on what science dictates?
- Is the underlying rigidity and law-based nature of the universe compatible with freely operating forms of life capable of making decisions independent of what the laws of the system (chemical reactions, etc.) dictate?
- What does it mean to be conscious? Are consciousness and free will intertwined?
- Are science and religion fundamentally incompatible or possibly reconcilable?
- If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?
CLICK HERE TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO DISCUSS THIS TOPIC AT A MEAD-UP
Tell us how it went:
Send us an email and tell us about your Mead-Up. Wend pictures! Use #Mead-Up and share to Twitter or Facebook.
Suggestions:
Want to suggestion a reading to add or remove? A question to add or delete? Help us improve our topics. Send us a note.
Created:
Added by Mike Lenox, February 2017.