[The One and Only...]

Originally Posted by ArtificialBrandon

The definition of "free will" is pretty cut-and-dry. Decision-making that isn't "caused" by anything.

That is not the only definition.

"Reasoning" implies a direction by consciousness. In the hard determinist view (of which chemical and genetic varities are a part), the conscious deliberation is merely an illusion. You didn't "reason," your brain went through chemical reactions.

Consciousness is merely awareness. I can still be consciously reasoning, even though that is only occuring because of my brain.

What the fuck does identity theory have to do with this?? Listen to the scientists - the philosophers in this area are mostly blowing hot air.

I have been listening to the scientists. Recent studies have shown that two identical twins - even when having very different backgrounds - are overwhelmingly similar in their tastes. Advantage nature.

So all thought emanates from reason. Even creative expression, word play. Whatever. You are just making up definitions, definitions that go against many of the ordinary uses of the word. But then you take your unconventional definitions and apply them in the same way as the conventional definitions. You want us to think you are talking about reason, when you aren't talking about it AT ALL. A philosophical abuse of language, language going on holiday

I'm not making up definitions. Rationalists have used that one for quite some time. Why do you think I quoted it?