[Right Wing Professor]

But despite all the worldcraft, in such a worldview, free will can only be an illusion.

Why?

Next November, like most of us, I'll have a three-way choice to make, between Bush, Dean and a wasted vote. Anyone who knows me well - my wife for example - will be able to predict with essentially 100% certainty what that choice will be. Does that mean I didn't have a choice?

So why then does the possibility that we might (very hypothetically) be able to predict human choices from our knowledge of physics and chemistry, mean that free will doesn't exist?

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for your post and your question!

So why then does the possibility that we might (very hypothetically) be able to predict human choices from our knowledge of physics and chemistry, mean that free will doesn't exist?

Because, under the metaphysical naturalist worldview, the physical realm is all that there is, that which exists (or will exist) on a timeline is the sum effect of cause, and there was a beginning. Moreover, under that worldview, the mind is what the brain does.

[Elsie]

between Bush, Dean and a wasted vote.

OR.........

between Bush, and 2 wasted votes.