There's no such thing as a loving God

There's no such thing as a loving God Mar 13, 2017 18:46:12 GMT

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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2017 18:46:12 GMT

Mar 13, 2017 14:53:19 GMT general313 said:

Mar 12, 2017 2:26:31 GMT @miccee said:

I don't believe that free will is possible in the sense that it is traditionally understood. I think that either our choices are completely predetermined. I recently read an article about 'unexpected' decisions possibly being linked to quantum uncertainty, but even that wouldn't really be 'free' will, it would just be random will. Because we wouldn't be in control of the indeterminacy; the indeterminacy would be in control of us. Either way, I think that there is no doubt that free choice is an illusion. It's incoherent.

If there's no free will, then can there be culpability? Should we dispense with court trials because the defendant can always plea "well, I didn't really have any choice in the matter"? This seems to be sliding into solipsist territory.

Just because you don't like the conclusions it doesn't make it untrue. Yes, there is no ultimate human culpability, because we are all products of factors beyond our conscious control. However, punishment for criminals is still a necessary evil in order to keep the majority of the population safe, and act as a causal factor to deter others from committing crime. So punishment is neither just nor fair, but a lesser evil than the alternative.