I love thinking about and arguing philosophy and logic, so I will accept Holly’s invitation to do so, and challenge James' contention:
>"I believe that we all only have one road. This road is placed before us
based on the information that we have. You only look for more information if
you know [believe] there is more information to be had. Life moves from one
moment to the next based on the previous moments. You can't change
past moments.
"Let's use some logic here: If a moment is = 1 and your decision is X then:
1+1+1+1=4. The answer will always be 4 unless we have new information.
X is always the total of all your moments. The answer is there before you
even go through the illusion of choice.”<
The above presumes that we make our decision based only on INFORMATION. A computer would do that. But, I believe that a human uses other criteria in decision making. Free will. CHOICE itself.
Let’s use a simple example. At a particular moment, I am faced with the choice as to whether to, let’s say return one more client call, or relax for a bit, and check what may be waiting on this discussion board. I know the facts—they are that one more call may show my client my diligence in taking care of his needs, and is the most responsible of the alternatives. I know that checking the discussion group would be relaxing and enjoyable, and I can even rationalize that decision by persuading myself that it may even sharpen my efficiency, later, by getting my mind off of business for a while. And there are perhaps hundreds of minor facts that may be in play. I know the facts, I know my wants, goals, responsibilities, etc. But, still, I have to make a CHOICE. Now you can say that my emotions at the moment (which you put into the “information” category) will be the determinate, thus proving your point.
But I submit that WILL, not emotion or any other information, will determine what I do. I could give in to my emotions at the moment, BUT I DON’T HAVE TO. I can exercise my free will to overcome my emotions, whichever way they may be leaning. To say that information automatically will determine the outcome (the choice I make) denies that I have this free will. It implies that I am an automaton. As eluded to, earlier, I believe that a computer would just follow it’s programming, and arrive at a decision. But a human, given the same information, can choose either way, simply by exercising his POWER of choice, or free will.
I invite any rebuttal, as I actually enjoy this kind of banter.