Exploring the Causes of Human Actions and the Question of Free Will

Free will, the ability to choose one's actions without external influence, has long been a topic of philosophical and scientific debate. The question of whether free will truly exists in a deterministic or non-deterministic universe has only deepened the discussion. This article will explore the role of prior causes in human behavior, arguing that even seemingly free actions are driven by underlying factors. Furthermore, it will delve into the implications of removing all prior causes from decision making and the potential consequences for human action and societal structures.

Free Will and Determinism

Can we explain human actions with free will? The concept of free will is often challenged in a deterministic universe, where every event is caused by preceding events following natural laws. In a non-deterministic universe, while events may be unpredictable, prior causes still influence outcomes. Human actions, like any other observable phenomenon, are explained by driven prior causes, including upbringing, environment, and specific stimuli.

In a deterministic universe, human actions are seen as a result of prior deterministic causes. These causes can be as broad as societal norms and as specific as momentary stimuli. When human beings behave rationally, choices are carefully selected to produce the best outcomes. However, choices can also appear irrational due to powerful emotional states or momentary impediments, all of which are driven by prior causes.

The Role of Prior Causes in Human Actions

Consider a scenario where all prior causes are removed from decision-making. If we could entirely eliminate factors like behavioral norms, upbringing, morals, laws, current context, emotional state, internal desires, biology, and disease, then what would remain? In such a scenario, actions would become entirely purposeless, random, and meaningless. They would not be based on any rational or emotional drive.

The idea of such a landscape raises questions about human identity and action. Without prior causes to drive our decisions, we would essentially be empty vessels, incapable of any meaningful action. This suggests that prior causes are not just minor influences but fundamental aspects that shape our actions and behaviors.

Implications of Removing Prior Causes

Imagine a world where all prior causes are removed, and human actions are utterly random. This removal not only affects individual behavior but also societal structures, laws, and ethics. If society is built on the assumption of free will and rational action, the sudden absence of these constructs would lead to chaos and confusion, both on an individual and societal level.

Science and Human Lives

The notion of free will extends to the realm of science and its impact on human lives. Many argue that pure data collection without the ability to think and reason is merely a science's data-collecting activity. Devoting trillions of dollars each year to inventing new toxic materials and chemicals that cause cancers and diseases may seem justified in the name of scientific progress, but this approach perpetuates a cycle of illness and disease.

By investing in studying and combating these diseases, billions of dollars further support the scientific industry. The cycle continues, as new chemicals are invented to counteract the side effects of previous inventions. It becomes a self-reinforcing loop that strains human health and the environment. The urgency for change calls for a new, nurturing consciousness that might redirect scientific efforts towards more positive outcomes, curbing the industry and saving both life and the planet.

A New Nurturing Consciousness

The agenda of science, with its focus on abstract knowledge rather than practical solutions, has propelled humanity towards environmental crises and the annihilation of all life upon Earth. Abstract science, emerging with the intellectual consciousness in the Renaissance and Enlightenment, has brought weapons of mass destruction, climate change, endless new cancers, and diseases. This has been catastrophic for the planet. We need a new nurturing consciousness that can address these issues effectively, shifting the focus from destructive scientific agendas to sustainable, nurturing solutions for the planet's health and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

Free will is often driven by prior causes. Removing all prior causes would lead to random, purposeless actions. The focus of science and its impact on human health need re-evaluation towards more nurturing solutions.

Understanding the role of prior causes in human actions is crucial not only for philosophical discourse but also for practical applications in fields such as psychology, sociology, and even policymaking. By embracing a nurturing consciousness, we can work towards a more sustainable and healthier future for all.