Information and free will (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, October 04, 2011, 20:00 (4777 days ago) @ dhw


> My own examples illustrated the direct impact of material influences on memory, will and identity, all of which are inseparably linked together.-Agreed-> 
> The ultimate subject of this discussion is whether we have a will/mind/identity that can exist independently of the material body.-No. -> One more question: if the will and identity are immaterial, how and when do you imagine they actually come into being, in relation to the physical conception and birth of each different individual?-As my immature brain made its billions and billions of connections.-I use my own experiences of myself to think about your questions, some of which are 'how many angels can fit on the head of a pin' type.-We each have a personality made up of 40% genetics, 40% parental influence, and 20% life experiences. Twin studies have shown the genetic part as being quite strong. We each can make memories, can study courses and learn. All these parts of us go to various areas of the brain. Memory is hippocampus and also all over, perhaps somewhat holographic. But consciousness is something weird. Where is it in the brain? It is an emergent 'whatever'. And it ties together all the other attributes I listed. Free will is something I certainly have. I can think any thought I want to think. I can do any physical action I want to do if I am capable of doing it. Now phobias are learned reactions, which certainly reduce free will. I learned as a kid I don't like beng at the bottom of the pile in football, but I have learned to control the uncomfortable reaction. So my free will took over and conquered.-Consciousness is the only unexplained phenomenon, and I think it leaves the dead brain to return to the UI. I think, I believe, I don't 'know'.