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Mechanized thinking and actions run the show, and culture provides the teaching.
For most of us, nothing is in control. That's the first step to take and be aware of. Once you see that clearly you can start distancing yourself our typical automated nature, and not follow along robotically. Gaining actual control is extremely difficult, but immensely important.
You don't have to waste time trying to pin down where the automated nature is, because it's basically throughout all of us.
If we (our minds) are not in complete control. Then, we must accept that in some way the "self" is simply going along for the ride that our body is giving us. If this ride or course that we take is primarily due to both genetics and upbringing, can we really be held responsible for who we are?
Can the worst of the worst, like Dahmer or Ed Kemper,...OR the best of the best, like Mandela or Mother Theresa....really be blamed or praised for who they are? Were they really in control anyway?
If we (our minds) are not in complete control. Then, we must accept that in some way the "self" is simply going along for the ride that our body is giving us. If this ride or course that we take is primarily due to both genetics and upbringing, can we really be held responsible for who we are?
Can the worst of the worst, like Dahmer or Ed Kemper,...OR the best of the best, like Mandela or Mother Theresa....really be blamed or praised for who they are? Were they really in control anyway?
I'm not entirely deterministic in outlook, but pretty close. It certainly feels like I'm making choices, but that feeling collides with my reason. I'm 63 but even at a young age like 25 so much has come before the next choice a person makes, from genetics to experience to environment, including stuff in the air and water and food, that it seems almost arrogant to think we're really choosing freely-to be Mandela or Dahmer. Because on a rational level, who would choose Mandela's path, and who would not choose against Dahmer's, if it's really a choice?
So my best answer to your question is neither. But I'm willing to reconsider that it might be Mightyqueen801.
I'm not entirely deterministic in outlook, but pretty close. It certainly feels like I'm making choices, but that feeling collides with my reason. I'm 63 but even at a young age like 25 so much has come before the next choice a person makes, from genetics to experience to environment, including stuff in the air and water and food, that it seems almost arrogant to think we're really choosing freely-to be Mandela or Dahmer. Because on a rational level, who would choose Mandela's path, and who would not choose against Dahmer's, if it's really a choice?
So my best answer to your question is neither. But I'm willing to reconsider that it might be Mightyqueen801.
I'll second the bolded, I think it's the most philosophically reasonable position
Is the mind part of the body, or the body part of the mind? If they are distinct, then how do they interact? And which of the two is in charge?
I view this similarly as the, "Do you follow your brain or your heart" question. I say BRAIN or in the OP's case, the MIND.
Sure, they can interact & hopefully, the smarter choice prevails. I think the brain/mind should be in charge because that part has better common sense.
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