>>17983528there's no satisfying answer to this question and many fields have contradictory interpretations.
>physicsabove quantum scales the behaviour of atoms is deterministic, causality while symmetric in terms of charge, parity, and time can only go in one direction. there is no free will but the future is unknowable because the universe can't contain a system of greater complexity than itself in order to predict it.
>neurosciencemost decisions are made by the amygdala, a more or less animal sub brain and then observed by the frontal cortex. this part of the brain can make post hoc rationalizations about reflexive behaviors, but also influence future decisions by training the amygdala in a feedback loop. free will is constrained by the biological realities of the primate mind.
>law and legislaturethere must be a self and it must have free will so that blame can be determined and punishment and responsibilities can be meted out.
>theologyyou have a self, and have god to thank. give us money and political influence.
