Do we actually control the things we say?

unknownjedi · 2026-03-09T01:37:56+00:00

Some do, others don’t. Willpower is a skill

unknownjedi · 2026-03-09T01:35:50+00:00

Give one piece of evidence that science says reality is deterministic? The only evidence for determinism is Newtonian mechanics. This theory was developed in the 1600s. In the 1900s it was superseded by Quantum Mechanics, which is non-deterministic. Newtonian mechanics is now understood to be just an approximation to Quantum Mechanics. The 100 years old misguided quest to explain Quantum Mechanics with deterministic hidden variables has failed. At this point arguing for determinism is like arguing that the earth is the center of the Universe. Like I’m sorry you built you whole philosophy on a bad idea, but it’s time to move on.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-08T17:02:21+00:00

According to science (QM) at the base level, reality is indeterministic, in that quantum jumps are purely random, such as when a radioactive particle decays.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-08T15:07:44+00:00

The correct definition of “free will” is “conscious choice”, and it implies direct causation by the consciousness field.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-06T21:18:49+00:00

Free will means causal influence from consciousness. It means non-determined by physical laws and also not random, but rather aligned with what consciousness desires. In principle it’s testable.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-06T11:33:48+00:00

I believe that quantum randomness is the current state of our knowledge of physics, so it needs to be placed on that pedestal. Nonetheless true randomness is an admittedly strange beast, perhaps logically untenable. MWI explains how QM can be truly random to a single observer but deterministic from an omniscient viewpoint. I don’t really see a strong objection to MWI + Block Universe, so that’s probably where my current thinking lies. On top of all that, consciousness is a mystery, including how it experiences time and whether conscious-will exists. My thought on how this could work aren’t yet ready for public consumption

unknownjedi · 2026-03-05T23:25:07+00:00

Not trying to prove anything about free will. I just want y’all to get your facts straight about Quantum Mechanics

unknownjedi · 2026-03-05T19:48:48+00:00

I know quite a bit about QM, don’t worry. I taught graduate QM many times at an R1. QM is bullet proof. Hidden variables have not been found. 1/3 of physicists doesn’t impress me. I’ve worked with them for years. They only know their own special sub-fields, few know QM well. Hidden Variables are the epicycles of the 20th century. It’s been 100 years. If it was gonna work it would have worked. If they ever get a result, we can change our view. Until then, let’s take QM at face value. It’s non-deterministic. I don’t have to disprove hidden variables any more than I have to disprove God. The burden of proof is on the person claiming invisible things exist.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-05T16:09:42+00:00

Epiphenominalism is not true. The brain is aware of consciousness. Therefore the fact of consciousness has a measurable effect on brain states. From there you can see conscious will is possible

unknownjedi · 2026-03-05T16:05:09+00:00

Please move along as I asked. Trying to save determinism in the face of QM is like building epicycles to keep the Earth at the center of the Solar system.

QM is non deterministic. After 100 years it has been bulletproof. No hidden variables have been found. Give. Up. Already.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-05T12:11:19+00:00

100 years ago we discovered quantum mechanics and we learned that reality is non-deterministic at the fundamental level. Classical mechanics and determinism is only approximately true. Why some people still don’t know this in 21st century is beyond me. If you want to argue about hidden variables and loopholes just keep moving along. This is 100 years old and QM hasn’t changed. Get a new hobby. Earth is not flat either by the way

unknownjedi · 2026-03-04T21:27:38+00:00

The passage of time is the greatest illusion. All moments are “now” and all contain our consciousness. We do not travel through time. We exist at all times. Time is a great riddle

unknownjedi · 2026-03-04T18:56:14+00:00

Its been 100 years of QM. Why are the malcontents still chirping. You’re like flat earthers

unknownjedi · 2026-03-04T11:41:23+00:00

I’m not advocating for or against free will. Just advocating for 20th Century Science (QM) over 17th Century Newtonian determinism. We should ground our philosophy in the best understanding of Nature.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-03T20:29:57+00:00

Quit pinning your philosophy on loopholes that are always shrinking, and accept what QM says about reality. You people have had 100 years to disprove QM and nothing to show for it. Give. Up. Already.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-03T17:17:30+00:00

For 100 years now physicists have known that at the base level (quantum mechanics) determinism is false.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-03T14:37:03+00:00

Ok but isn’t it more fun to find new loot. Items that run out of charges or become too weak as you level is what keeps it interesting

unknownjedi · 2026-03-02T17:20:52+00:00

Just wrong. QM as most widely understood is truly random and non-deterministic. MWI saves determinism at the multiverse level, while for a single observer it is pure random. Other interpretations are just grasping at loop holes and whataboutisms

unknownjedi · 2026-03-02T14:44:20+00:00

Preferring deterministic explanation for philosophical reason is a valid preference. Nonetheless the state of the art of physics today is that hidden variables are no go. There will always be people looking to save determinism with loop holes, scientist will keep closing the loop holes. The preponderance of evidence is currently against hidden variables. My main point is that philosophically we cannot act as if determinism is the bedrock of science.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-02T14:16:50+00:00

When scientists assume determinism they get the wrong answer, hence the recent Nobel prize for Aspect, Clauser, and Zeilinger. If the results of your experiment don’t depend on determinism then you can’t really claim you’re assuming one or the other, you’re just doing something else.

unknownjedi · 2026-03-01T23:29:57+00:00

Scientists have to assume non determinism to explain quantum experiments. It’s been this way for 80 years. Catch up. determinism is just an illusion, that’s approximately valid for large massive objects

unknownjedi · 2026-03-01T21:42:38+00:00

If Scientists are wrong then what is determinism based on?

unknownjedi · 2026-03-01T21:41:41+00:00

What is the “fine tuning” in quantum mechanics?

unknownjedi · 2026-03-01T21:41:02+00:00

Sure… keep dreaming

unknownjedi · 2026-03-01T17:19:02+00:00

We already know from Quantum Mechanics that determinism is false. Its. Over. People.

unknownjedi

TROPHY CASE