A few day's ago, I had an awesome argument about life, the universe and everything. I'm not quite sure how it got started, but the basic idea was that pre-destiny exists as a secular phenomenon. It was put forward that the course of all life is predestined, not by a sentient god, but by ourselves; The combined effect of our actions combine to force a future course of events upon us.
This idea is fairly appealing at first glance, it fits quite nicely with the Buddhist concept of Karma and Newton's first law (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction). With greater thought, however, I must reject it.
Firstly, there are very few situations that we can get ourselves into and not out of in some way or another (even if avoiding our self made "fate" would mean a quick getaway, plastic surgery and changing your name to Jõsé).
Second, and probably more compellingly, these consequences are the result of free action. Choices we have made ourselves. Any system of pre-destiny excludes free choice by definition; if something is destined to happen, then it will happen regardless of our choices or actions.
Still... it's an interesting little piece to think on ^^
In The News:
Free e-books with a catch: Advertising - I'm all for free books... but I have seriously mixed feelings about this. My books are my last refuge against the massive marketing monster that stalks our lives... I don't know if I could handle Gandalft shouting "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!!! ...oh, and go but a coke".
The Nature of Identity, with reference to androids - interesting piece... I'm very glad to see H+ back online.
Word of the Week:
Eloquent (adjective) -
1: having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech.
2: characterised by forceful and appropriate expression.
3: movingly expressive.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed the post. Catch you next week.
-Odd
"I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be"
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