FREE WILL (again!)
It seems that most contemporary scientists and philosophers accept that we have no free will! Are we then organic robots fully programmed by our genes and conditioned by our environmental experiences? Many now seem to think so.
Darwin from his notebooks: "one doubts existence of free will [because] every action [is] determined by heredity, constitution, example of others or teaching of others...this view should teach one profound humility, on deserves no credit of anything.. nor ought one to blame others."
Einstein: "I do not believe in free will."
Spinoza: "The only difference between a human being and a stone rolling down a hill is that the human being thinks he is in control of his own destiny."
Stephen Pinker and Daniel Dennett: Both have recently written about how moral responsibility (and therefore moral and social stability) is compatible with our not being ultimately self-created.
Sam Harris agrees with those above in a recent interesting article: "You Do Not Choose What You Choose"
Now, we have an interesting counter argument by Michael Gazzaniga in his book "Who's in Charge" and reviewed by Raymond Tallis in The Wall Street Journal.
So, let's discuss it! (As if we have a choice.)
The Red Lobster Restaurant
2625 West International Speedway, Daytona Beach
(Route 92 & I-95 Exit #261)
Moderator: Mimi Cerniglia
The public is invited. Our usual agenda is lunch from noon to 1:00 PM, presentation from 1:00-1:30 PM, and Q&A until 2:00 PM. You can order from the lunch menu.
There is never a charge for Friends of the Center, so join at the meeting for special rates and to support our community. Reservations are helpful but not mandatory. We've never turned anyone away!
Make your reservation for the event simply by emailing daytona@centerforinquiry.net, or calling (386) 671-1921 to reserve your spot. Please give names as they are to appear on name tags.
