[ExI] Randomness and Free will

[Jason Resch]

On Thu, Nov 13, 2025, 8:25 AM Adrian Tymes via extropy-chat <
extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:

> On Thu, Nov 13, 2025 at 6:25 AM Jason Resch via extropy-chat
> <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
> > Regarding free will, you previously said there may be some true
> randomness in the universe.
> >
> > Do you think true randomness is required for free will, or are you a
> compatibilist (free will is can exist in a universe which has no randomness
> at all)?
> >
> > And finally, if you do believe in randomness, what form do you see it
> taking:
>
> The paradox of defining "free will" like that is, once you define how
> it works, it is no longer what most people consider to be "free will"
> by definition.
>

My question is more about your understanding of randomness and whether or
not it is necessary.

I happen to find many of these definitions of randomness workable or even
probable, to be operating in this universe.

And those I don't agree with, incomplete quantum mechanics, or non
algorithmic physics, are defended by Nobel prize winners.


> As such, attempts to define how it works have tended to be traps: pick
> something, anything, and get attacked for it.
>

I'm not trying to trap you. We both agree there are valid conceptions of
free will, and even unpredictability with determinism.


> As such, I've picked up a distaste for getting into such discussions,
> such that I'm not sure I could state an honest opinion on that topic
> anymore.
>

That's too bad, but I understand why you might feel that way.

Jason
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.extropy.org/pipermail/extropy-chat/attachments/20251113/ead819cc/attachment.htm>