Free will

[Ignorant]

This tends to be an entertaining subject, in my experience.

So, free will. What is it, and do we have it?

[FlyersFan]

Do we have it?   Yes, but it's limited.
A lot of what happens to us and around us is stuff we can't control.
What we do with that is where the free will comes in.
But even that is controlled by what is happening that we can't control.

For instance .. my husband has parkinsons.  
It wasn't free will that gave him parkinsons.
It was out of his control.
What he does with it ... some of that is free will.
And some of it is forced upon him by events.

He has 'free will' to decide if he's going to exercise to help reduce symptoms.
But even that isn't as free as you'd think because he's rather be doing something
else but the parkinsons makes it so that he should exercise during that time 
instead of reading a book which he'd rather do.

We have SOME free will ... but not as much as people think.

[Sirius]

Pick anything, from physical to mental to whatever planes you belief or don't believe in

Have you ever been manipulated or knows someone that was

What happens in a life threatening situation? When time slows down in a car crash

Did you have control, did you know you didn't?

Has anyone ever stirred your emotions and moved your thought?

Am I predicable? Are you?

[Ray1990]

What is it?

That little voice in your head that says turn into the traffic at a roundabout.

Do we have it?

Hopefully not.

Joking of course, somewhat. It's the ultimate chicken or the egg question which probably can't be answered within the human condition.

[UltraBudgie]

Am I predicable? Are you?

i just knew you were going to pop in and say something enigmatic

[AlroyFarms]

Of course we have free will. What makes anyone think we don't? I need to hear that side of the argument.

The point of it all is that we make choices and experience our own makings in life through our thoughts and actions.

What's the point of the show if the outcome is already known?

[Maxmars]

To exercise one's intent in any way... is a manifestation...

to claim that manifestation as one's own,

there must be an 'other.'

Most contexts of this discussion circle around

"Free will" as only a social thing...

I ask if what I choose to think is 'free will," or "will" at all?

Must my thoughts have resolvable sources to be valid?

[UltraBudgie]

yes is backwards to think we don't
it is said the material world is written of what man does not know of god
thus is god who has no free will
because act of doing presupposes opposition

an identity crisis
it is all an allusion

[argentus]

I think free will is what we do for ourselves.   When our will comes in conflict with laws, that which we do is free will.   I think the way in which we engage with people, particularly in conflicts is free will.   I think the way in which we deal with authorities -- state, providence, county, city ordinances and laws reflect our free will;  if we accept and agree with the laws, that is one thing.   If we disagree and don't conduct ourselves in concurrence with the laws, well, kiddies, that is where the free will really shows itself.  

I think we should be self-determining.   If we don't choose to comply with the laws of the land, we shouldn't live within their borders.   I think a person or group of them that chooses to live only guided by their own laws can live outside of the accepted judiciary.   I have done so, once in my past, by myself, and my dog.   My dog, bella, had her own choices outside of mine, however I was the ultimate authority.   

Christian religion says that God gives us free will.   Gives us, as though it is a commodity that is given or traded.   God wants us to comply with His rules, but "gives" us the ability to choose on our own.  I have wondered since I was a child, why would God wish us to worship Him.   Wait, this is important.   So why would he "give" us free will, if what He really wants is our obedience and worship.  

Human beings can fully realize their own free will while also observing the laws, imo.   None of us should bow to anyone.   We should consider ourselves to be free agents.   Just like the athletes, except our pay grade sucks.

[Maxmars]

...
an identity crisis
it is all an allusion

Now that was clever!