I think there is limitation in free will, but yes, I think it exists. Epicurus is actually who made me first consider there is free will in some degree. He thought knowledge is what enables us to escape animal determinism. It is limited though. We are still animals, and at best we're bending or re-directing our animal impulses.
I like that^^^^^^^^^^^. Could you, if you want, elaborate on "animal impulses"?
To be a taddy bit crude is it like seeing an object you want and could easily grab
and run without fear of being caught but don't because it's
"wrong" for whatever reasons?
And like "borrowing" pencils from the office because you can give them to your kid's
for school.
A trite example I know but you see my point. Rationalize petty theft as being o.k.
See a pretty woman and you quickly think of having sex and could just "take it"
but you might have religious or social or personal values that prohibit such an act.
I'm a disabled police officer with 22.5 years service and 10 as a detective, 3 of those
as chief of investigations.
I only mention my past because I've pondered the great question: "WHY"
in God's name to these idjits (slang word for idiot) do these things KNOWING
there is a good chance the law will punish them?
I could site dozens and dozens of cases of STUPID criminals.
One I will.
In older retired couple lived in a real nice quiet neighborhood.
They went on a road trip for a few days. When the came home the house had
been literally cleaned out! Including foods from the freezer!
Fortunately the couple used marker to tag most all furnishings and stereo equipment.
One missing item was a Swartzlose small caliber pistol the man "liberated" during
WWII.
It was missing the magazine(clip).
I went to gun shops and asked to be notified if anyone was trying to find a replacement
magazine.
Next day I got a call from a shop owner who lied to the suspect saying he'd order
said magazine. Not possible however.
The shop owner provided me with the NAME, ADDY, and PHONE # of the dummy.
I went to the suspects house and when he answered the door he recognized me
and tried to force the door shut.
TOO LATE.
I already saw the back of a stolen speaker with the owners i.d. mark so I forced the
door open, knocked the thief down, called for back up because there were 4
crooks there and I didn't feel like shooting anyone.
Paper work don'cha'know.
Recovered was 90% of all goods stolen.
Crooks got sentenced to 4 yrs. minimum.
Crooks HATED ME! See why I still keep a gun handy?
A young kid watched me fingerprint the victims house and knew of my solving
the case. He decided he wanted to be a cop.
He retired with honors and awards from the F.B.I.
So what is the purpose of this wild diatribe?
Free will.
Crooks aren't coerced into being crooks. They do so for a variety of reasons
with almost No regard for consequences.
No regard for victims.
I've interviewed rape suspects that I charged and they never showed any concern for
the victim. Only concern was what happens to them.
There are many excuses for criminal behavior but no good ones.
What is the excuse for murdering helpless humans in Miami?
Religion? The religion of peace? Or some deep seated hatred for homosexuals
excused by a warped religious conviction?
I believe it was an excuse to commit murder disguised as a religious commitment.
