Is there a word that describes a situation where you *technically* have free will, but don't REALLY have the option to choose otherwise? [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Nov 18, 2009 - 27 answers

Can someone explain why despite the fact that every one of these incidents occurs at a unique time and place, each involves a complex history of events and personal decisions leading to its very unlikely outcome, that the death toll on the roads year-on-year is so predictable? See here and here. [more inside]
posted by zaebiz on Dec 28, 2008 - 47 answers

Two questions about the necessity of self-deception. (1)I recall that Jesuits believe that you can build faith by engaging in external acts; what is the source of this? (2)Also, are there any famous philosophers that maintain that while certain propositions are not true, it is imperative to act as though they were? [more inside]
posted by yesno on Dec 5, 2007 - 19 answers

Does the current paradigm of Mental Illness having an underlying physical and biological basis (say, due to a chemical imbalance) negate the concept of Free Will? Also, where can one read more on this issue?
posted by sk381 on Dec 11, 2006 - 23 answers

What is the most convincing argument you have ever heard, read or devised for the existence of free will in humans? If you can't think of one, can you think of a test for proving its existence? [more inside]
posted by vizsla on Oct 25, 2006 - 60 answers

Is it ethically possible to be a lawyer and believe in determinism? [more inside]
posted by liquorice on Sep 4, 2006 - 33 answers

Can we believe at will in the same way that we can raise our arms at will? [more inside]
posted by Eiwalker on Jul 9, 2006 - 64 answers

Religious Question: If Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him before he did betray him, and Jesus is God because he's part of the holy trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), doesn't this prove that there is no such thing as free will? [More Inside]
posted by banished on Mar 2, 2004 - 40 answers