Is omniscience compatible with human freedom?

[Reconstructo]

I think one can argue either side. To allow for free will in the face of omniscience one must conceive of God as powerful enough to create such choice against the apparent contradiction of foreknowledge. But what do we mean by free will? Should we not consider that man is an organism of instinct?

Free will arguably hinges on the idea of something like an immaterial soul. One could also assert that the brain is an analog computer that somehow allows for "free will."

I think "free will" is a difficult, questionable concept. It exists to justify punishment and reward. I think it's best described as a superstition.

As always, opinions...

[xris]

I see it more like steering a boat. You dont choose the boat or the weather...or the crew. We are masters of a determined journey.

[prothero]

Originally Posted by Reconstructo

I think "free will" is a difficult, questionable concept. It exists to justify punishment and reward. I think it's best described as a superstition.

As always, opinions...

I think free will even if an "illusion" is an almost universal and necessary assumption in the process of human experience.

[kennethamy]

Originally Posted by Zetherin

If God's knowing is certain, as God's knowing is infallible, how is this a no? I must do what God knows, as what he knows is certain. And with this logic, the answer to your question here:



is yes.



.

Does, "must I do it" mean that I am compelled to do it (if God is certain that I will)?

[Reconstructo]

I agree. I think it's socially necessary. Just as I think Sartre's ethic is noble, so is the responsibility foisted upon us by this "illusion" "free will."

Man couldn't live a day without what critical thinking might describe as his "lies."

Long live the lies that light life!

[kennethamy]

Originally Posted by prothero

I think free will even if an "illusion" is an almost universal and necessary assumption in the process of human experience.

But even if it is true that free will is an illusion, that is decidedly not what we experience. What we experience is that sometimes we can do as we please.

[Reconstructo]

Indeed, "free will" is a fair description of what one could call the pleasure or burden of choice. "Free will" is "existentially" true.

[Zetherin]

Originally Posted by kennethamy

Does, "must I do it" mean that I am compelled to do it (if God is certain that I will)?

No. Whether you're compelled or not has nothing to do with the fact that you must do what God knows you are going to do. God simply knows all your actions, whether you were compelled to do them or not.

[kennethamy]

Originally Posted by Zetherin

No. Whether you're comepelled or not has nothing to do with the fact that you must do what God knows you are going to do. God simply knows all your actions, whether you were compelled to do them or not.

If I not compelled to do what God is certain I will do, then in what sense must I do it?

If God is certain that I will do X, then I will do X, without doubt. But that does not mean that if God is certain that I will do X, then I am forced to do X. And if I am not forced to do X, then in what sense was my doing X not free? Why could it not be that God is certain that I would freely do X?

[Zetherin]

I meant that God can be certain about those things you freely do, and also be certain about those things you are compelled to do. You asked if being compelled meant the same thing as "must do" in the sense that one must do what God knows, and I don't think this is the case. Because, as I said, God could be certain of something you freely did.

I'm conceptualizing God's infallible knowing as not having a direct influence. It is simply the map, the road map for all actions. His infallible knowing isn't compelling anyone, it is simply illustrating every action, regardless how it comes to be.

I don't really know how to answer your questions in any other way at the current moment.

---------- Post added 12-01-2009 at 04:17 PM ----------

But even if it is true that free will is an illusion, that is decidedly not what we experience. What we experience is that sometimes we can do as we please.

I think this is true.