11-29-2010, 07:25 PM
Ankh, if we look at the world from a fully deterministic point of view, which is essentially what the classical scientific world view is about. Then all causes have a single effect, and all effects have only a single cause. Slight variations will only have slight differences. And from this point of view, being in the same spot in the river since all is defined in the materialistic world view will never give any possibility for a different outcome.
However, the materialistic point of view has it's faults. It doesn't always match with observations. This means we are free to look for more appropriate models. Lets pick one as an example where the will is a more fundamental phenomenon than a mere isolated result of brain chemistry. Where it is more than something locked away in the brain.
If we assume for a moment a model where the will is fundamental above all else. This means the will itself determines how the river flows. The individual responses as far as they are automatic are indirectly willed, since they are responses to the river which is subject to the will. And the non automatic responses where our will directly influences our behavior are evidently directly willed.
I'm just trying to show that your world view determines the outcome to your question.
Ra states in the Law of One that the first distortion is free will. So essentially the second model would be true to him. I would agree.
The only way to really know which model is correct is to try them on and see which one has more functionality for you. The one that gets you the most results must be the most accurate and pragmatic. Can you influence the world using only your will? What would an Egyptian priestess say?
However, the materialistic point of view has it's faults. It doesn't always match with observations. This means we are free to look for more appropriate models. Lets pick one as an example where the will is a more fundamental phenomenon than a mere isolated result of brain chemistry. Where it is more than something locked away in the brain.
If we assume for a moment a model where the will is fundamental above all else. This means the will itself determines how the river flows. The individual responses as far as they are automatic are indirectly willed, since they are responses to the river which is subject to the will. And the non automatic responses where our will directly influences our behavior are evidently directly willed.
I'm just trying to show that your world view determines the outcome to your question.
Ra states in the Law of One that the first distortion is free will. So essentially the second model would be true to him. I would agree.
The only way to really know which model is correct is to try them on and see which one has more functionality for you. The one that gets you the most results must be the most accurate and pragmatic. Can you influence the world using only your will? What would an Egyptian priestess say?