New bird believes...

[TimberWolf]

I think it's a mistake to conflate the idea of consciousness with the idea of free will. Clearly in a completely deterministic universe the machinations of a conscious mind are predetermined by the underlying physical processes and there is no free will, but that doesn't mean that the mind isn't aware of and reflective upon them, even if that awareness is itself predetermined.



Chaos theory is about deterministic systems. It's not an alternative, rather a deeper understanding that goes beyond the naive assumption that predictability is an inevitable consequence of determinism. The idea that completely random systems can give rise to predictable behaviours seems closely related.

I would agree that consciousness is possible in a deterministic universe (as seems to be the case!), but am also mindful that some things are not calculable in all systems, and what better candidate than self awareness. I've always been more inclined to view consciousness as a continuum anyway, a well with no bottom perhaps, than a binary off/on thing. Plus of course it's a word with a defined and probably contentious meaning rather than something one can poke a stick at and get definite answers from, so I suppose one might reach any equally valid philosophical conclusion. I think it's better to try to get away from words and philosophy as quickly as possible else you quickly get nowhere.

When (or if) we are able to make deterministic programs that are able to see themselves, we may be able to share notes and not be alone in the universe! How much could deterministic rules in a box learn about themselves? We don't know, we have to run the program! And might they run programs too...

More pressingly, how can someone believe in both luck and fate? Surely they are mutually exclusive?

Do they not both eliminate the need for conscious derision making and abrogate responsibility? With both, you can sit back and put your feet up.

[Sands of Time]

Many thanks for your comments...


Although I was expecting 'bin her' / 'keep her'!

But I guess your answers were 'just meant to be'.







Tone

[Diver]

Many thanks for your comments...


Although I was expecting 'bin her' / 'keep her'!

But I guess your answers were 'just meant to be'.
Tone

At the end of the day, it's your relationship and your decision, all we can do is advise.

If you really want to make the relationship work, get her some psychiatric help and some prescription medication

[Sands of Time]

At the end of the day, it's your relationship and your decision, all we can do is advise.

If you really want to make the relationship work, get her some psychiatric help and some prescription medication

Yes of course - like I'm gonna take Cuk forumer's relationship advice

Tone

[Diver]

Yes of course - like I'm gonna take Cuk forumer's relationship advice

Tone

But on here resides the wealth of the nations wisdom

[Sands of Time]

But on here resides the wealth of the nations wisdom

Hmmm...


Trouble is... I was hoping Wilmslow would make an appearance, there resides the wealth of wisdom in the relationship dept.



Tone

[wim121]

Many thanks for your comments...


Although I was expecting 'bin her' / 'keep her'!

But I guess your answers were 'just meant to be'.

Well keep her of course.

Do you really want a woman that has the intelligence to counter everything you say and one day, manipulate the system against you and take all your assets?

No, you want someone dumb but pretty. She's a keeper.

[Old Greg]

Well keep her of course.

Do you really want a woman that has the intelligence to counter everything you say and one day, manipulate the system against you and take all your assets?

No, you want someone dumb but pretty. She's a keeper.

You're really not cut out to be a heterosexual.

They're meant to be tricky.

[Sands of Time]

Well keep her of course.

Do you really want a woman that has the intelligence to counter everything you say and one day, manipulate the system against you and take all your assets?

No, you want someone dumb but pretty. She's a keeper.

Good point... keep her asleep.


Tone

[wim121]

You're really not cut out to be a heterosexual.

They're meant to be tricky.

If you mean by that, I'm not cut out for western females, I concur.

I prefer a woman that acts like a lady, instead of a money grabbing whore. Why should a relationship with one be tricky? All that matters is the sandwich making skills.