There is a common problem with modern intellectualism and layman thinking: logical disconnection. Most individuals tend to postulate x----then go on to postulate y—yet logical consistency demands that x and y not contradict each other (they must conceptually and/or empirically co-exist or be capable of co-existence). Too often, however, one states x—with x later contradicted by y–usually held due to an emotional prejudice toward a belief.
For an example, consider the following postulates and discern a break in logical continuity:
(1) Consciousness depends for it’s very existence and maintenance upon the activity of a physical object–the brain.
(2) Human will and choice is an aspect of consciousness.
(3) If the neural circuit and function responsible for a certain choice does not fire, or fires in a different way (given all action potentials are alike, thus “a different way” for a circuit to fire requires a different area to fire rather than the relevant circuit responsible for a given choice)—one cannot choice or decide a certain choice or decision.
(4) Free will exists.
[Free will being defined as an amalgamation of Frederick Hayek’s and Norman Swartz’ definitions of free will—as will that is not “forced” by an external agency or cause, and does not depend upon an external cause for it’s existence: in this sense, acausal will is “will” that is believed to epiphenomenally pop into experience independent of a necessity for a previously operating neural function of the brain.]
Out of the postulates of (1) thru (4) above—where might one find the logical contradiction?
For believers in free will, there is no contradiction. However, if one understands the implications of (1)-(3) (if the implications are true)—then (4) becomes a matter for logical disconnection.
Unless one believes that “will” magically pops into existence independent of the necessity for biochemical electrical flow through a particular area of the cerebrum to give rise to it’s existence, then a belief—[that there must exist a dependency for the existence of consciousness through electrical conductivity through a physical object (the brain)]—logically denies the existence of free will as defined disambiguously (following Hayek and Swartz) above.
What are your CORE beliefs? Feel free to outline your core beliefs concerning the world and how it operates—then test each one to see if one contradicts the other(!)
Jay M. Brewer
blog.myspace.com/superchristianity
(An easy-to-read comic book detailing what was going on within the mind of Jesus Christ while dying upon the cross! You’ll NEVER feel the same after reading this stuff!!)