Starting from a molecule on up, to cells and beyond, at what system level is a being actually making a decision rather than reacting to their chemical environment based on purely chemical laws? For example, the molecules in a cells are solely reacting to their environment based on chemical fundamentals. However, a person thinks things through and makes decisions. Where in that range do we see decisions start to emerge?

  • Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz
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    1 year ago

    Even the freedom of choice humans appear to appreciate so much isn’t quite complete. If you’re high or drunk, your decisions suddenly change and they may not reflect what you really want for yourself. If you’re in love or depressed, the chemicals in your head once again affect your decisions. The human mind is also utilizing many shortcuts, so that you don’t really need to think very much when tying your shoes or driving a car.

    This is also a philosophical question, so you should expect things to get complicated.