This is one of the worst arguments I've seen refuting lack of free will. "No evidence that conciousness is a product of matter". The logical fallacy here is "shift the burden of proof". The default position has to be that conciousness is a product of matter and the burden of proof lies on someone claiming otherwise. It's identical to the argument, 'You can't prove god doesn't exist, so he does exist'. This argument is just as bad as the religious argument he discarded just previously.
A universe with free will is "equivalent" to a universe without free will. This knowledge is going viral. I can explain this view and trace is back to the Law of the Excluded Middle. Please take a look at my developments.
To find my main page search FaceBook for "Mathematics and Conjectural Reasoning for Math & Physics".
I've also noticed among certain free will philosophers that there is an undue focus on the mechanics of how things work, which is equated with determinism. This is incorrect. Mechanics only tells us the inner workings of things but not don't point to determinism. This mistake is made not only by philosophers, but material scientists. Daniel Wegner is one example.
First of all, I don't see how free will and everything else outside of conspiracy theories are unimportant. I would think that they should be the highest of issues being discussed. What if solipsits are right? If nothing exists, then would that not have more of an impact on our lives than the ecomony and every other thing that isn't even real? Also, could you make a video on your opinion of suicide?
This guy is a f... moron, this guy is not only a criminal, he's very sick too. He stole a lot of money using 10 creditcards, the banks and IRS are after him big time and now he's trying to sell his house which is under a trust cause he's getting scared. And for all you women out there, don't ever date this guy, he will pretend he's such a nice decent guy, but instead he has a second agenda, he's very insecure as a man and he needs to mess up women's lives. Stay away from him.
conspiracy theories won't change your life?? Wrong, events of 9/11 led me to find out about fluoride which will probably save my life in the long run. So how does the knowledge and conspiracy debate not affect my life? It does.
I appreciate your strides toward intellectual honesty. Using the freewill debate to emphasize recycled intellectual futility was almost brilliant. I have found intellectual freedom, simply by turning my back on such topics. It’s a matter of how vanity manifests itself in our lives. For now, I’m content with studying how I might improve society and self by understanding basic nutrition, active metabolism and clean, life sustaining hydration. Discovering homeopathy has also become a joy for me.
A side note/question: Is it intuitive for most people to believe, tho each path must be unique, there exists a potential to once again, intermingle in a common place, yet beyond this reality? Again, is this an intuitive understanding, much like the understanding, why we shouldn’t eat rats or vultures?
consciousness is material or non material - we've no reason to believe the non material exists so 'consciousness is material' is the default
if you try to refute 'consciousness is material' with an epistemological shrug of the shoulders you end up with descartes brain in a vat unable to assert anything other than your own existence & the logical absolutes, which i think is just as ludicrous position as believing you dont have free will
hume said he forgot about free will when he played cards
it is a meaningless debate. consider the following mind experiement: let's say that I found a way to absolutely prove that free will doesn't exist. it wouldn't matter, because I would ask myself, "Have I ever been happy?"Have I ever set my mind to accomplish something and achieved it?" yes to both. so the discussion has no relevence. you're on target lorax, people are too busy knitting thneeds to notice the dissappearing truffula trees (Dr. Seuss people know that of which I speak)
Of those who will argue for the 98% of political discussions -- I ask, don't all political "DISCUSSIONS" that attempt to be solutions first start as this echo chamber, then progress to a consensus in order to be successful? Are you asserting that all political ideas that do not possess an immediate solution to fix the government's flaws must be proposed by a cop-out?
I agree with you on free will! Free will can have a chain reaction that does not mean free will does not exist why make choices a choice comes from will. It is pointless....
@MsExoticBliss ur overthinking it ur reply made no sense, having a chain reaction actualy implies its existance so why would you argue that that doesnt mean it doesnt exist
it is not a meaningless debate, its the question whether this scene of self is participating in the decision making , or is it just an observer watching the movie of your thoughts feelings, and choices unfold !?
@swordmas7544 Hey I read this, and I thought I would reply mostly because your message stood out to me. I'm not saying that my advice is the best, and I realize I am mistaken often, but if my advice helps I am glad. Find out what it is you enjoy in life, and embrace it. The world doesn't have any answers, we create our own and our answers are based off of the genetic makeup we are born with, and what we learn in life. Be humble about your own answers and be prepared to accept alternative ideas.
@drattiswhereitsat wow i just read your message a year later <.< now i am 18 but i re watched your video i understand it more know but i also understand your advice be true what i think is the best way to improve my life even though others might not view it that way and be open to another ways of improving
The point is, people feel scare of dying, the society made up people 's minds existing life after death, we have a spirit, when we die, our spirits go to another world, what they call it, spirit world, that we 'll be judged according to our behaviour here in the ground when we were alive, others believe we 'll be born again into a better life situation, into a worst life situation, but everything is moonshine,cuz the true stuff is,we are born, we only 'll die, it is forever, no life after death.
It's not clear to me that political debate is a meaningless waste of time amounting to avoidance when we live in a democracy where we elect our public officials who decide policy. If the general, non-activist, but VOTING public did not engage in such "useless" political discussions, we'd be in worse trouble than we're in. The real problem with politics is that it's a charade, a puppet-show, with all parties controlled by the same banksters. One thing we can do about that is to SAY IT.
Excellent. I do think general discussion on politics, for e.g., contributes to the zeitgeist, which in turn could lead to change. For me, one of those big & difficult subjects is vegetarianism. I am a vegetarian & became one through a process of reason - I have no particular interest in animals. This is a subject that few people talk about and usually, when they do think about it on more than a superficial level, they immediately withdraw, as the result is not fun - abstinence., in my case.
Is predestination assumed when discussing a chemical reaction? Is the causal effect of the Big Bang brought up when trying to understand the functions of a whale brain? What relevance is there in injecting philosophical debate concerning the Big Bang or supposed predestination when discussing the functions and movement of the sun? Why do some individuals add unnecessary complexity and confusion to the issue of human brain structure and function by injecting such irrelevant philosophical debates?
Can a physical chemical be injected into a vein to effect a supposed nonphysical thing, such as "mind" or "free will"? Can you show any valid reason we should assume something nonphysical is involved when we have gaps in our knowledge concerning processes of physical systems? Can you give a valid reason we should assume free will is true, based on supposed quantum randomness? Is a truly random event predictable? Do you realize free will is analogous to free wind? Can the "nonphysical" be proved?
To add to that *if* consciousness is based on more than just matter then essentially it *could* be partly based on something (call it the soul?) that is not purely deterministic or random.
I *believe* that this something is such that it gives us free will essentially because without this the traditionally accepted meaning of "morality" becomes nonsensical.
Regarding free will, I believe it is important because it impinges on some of the most fundamental beliefs of many religions and consequently of many people.
I *believe* that consciousness is at least partly based on matter and prior to this video blithely assumed that science "knew" consciousness was totally based on matter - I stand corrected.
In any case the problem with science is that the most fundamental thing science tells us is that the more we know, then the more we know we don't know.
There is no primary cause to an infinite (going back to infinity) chain of events, and it does not matter if there is one, especially if the "chain" precedes the consciousness making the choice.
When you suggest "data" is required for provability, you are suggesting that deductive logic is not reliable. For example, saying a round square cannot exist in another galaxy is based on the law of non-contradiction, not empirical data of all galaxies.
Thanks for the reply lorax2013. Yes, both genetics and environment are causal factors, but they need not be the only. Even if we pose some supernatural element that connects to our thoughts, that element cannot (logically) escape the causal/acausal dichotomy.
You also make 2 non-sequiturs regarding: 1) that it proves no beginning of consciousness, and 2) that it proves memory necessary for consciousness (though it most likely is, but causality does not prove this).
is somebody here can help me with my project . i have to gain more and more words that certify that FREE WILL is really existing and i also need words that can make me believe that DETERMINISM is not existing
But i really appreciate it if somebody here will help me about my project the free will debate VS. determinism
You can't even prove that the evolution of matter in the world is predestined. In fact, quantum mechanics teaches the exact opposite. Qurantum mechanics is a probability theory and the standard interpretation is that future events are not predestined. They occur more or less likely.
@lorax2013 Matter and mind are indissolubly linked, yes. Yet the notion that consciousness arose from matter is, when unpacked, internally incoherent and therefore unthinkable. It is what is known in philosophy as a category error. The mechanism offered by orthodox biology (random mutation plus natural selection) may explain how physical complexity came about, but is no explanation at all for how consciousness came about.
I see all polarized perspectives as being complementary (not and/or but either and/or). The problem becomes when we try to impose our perceptions from the shady side of the mountain to those on the sunny side of the mountain.
This video is wrong on so many different levels regarding the "free will" debate.
The free will debate is NOT only based on a materialistic worldview of consciousness (and there IS evidence of thus - but it is not needed for an understanding that there is no free will). It is based on the nature of causality, regardless if a cause happens to matter or to some other unknown. It is about the nature of EVENTS, and the possible ways they can come about.
They are all succeptable to the causal/acausal dichotomy. Either an event (ANY event) happens via a cause or it does not. If it happens via a cause, it is forced by that cause, and that cause is forced by the cause that precedes it, etc. It can never be free. If an event comes about acausality, it cannot be willed in any way (because a willer is required). Free will is a LOGICAL absurdity, and the argument against it is not reliant on materialism.
The free will debate is also NOT a meaningless debate at all, and one does not have to act like free will exists. There is much that relies on whether we have free will or not --- as a base understanding. This includes ethical responsibility, economics, criminology (retrobutivism vs rehabilitation), psychology, blame and being more worthy than others, and so much more. It is one of the most important questions we can ask.
@trick0171 This guy is a f... moron, he's acting like he's all that great, but this guy is not only a criminal, he's very sick too. He stole a lot of money using 10 creditcards, the banks and IRS are after him big time and now he's trying to sell his house which is under a trust cause he's getting scared. This guy is a criminal first class so don't think he's all so good, he may know how to invest on the market, but he plays an unfair game.
@trick0171 Part 1 to my comment is this: So this guy says it is a meaningless debate... Meaningless to him perhaps considering he comes to the conclusion that, "because this subject or topic is so debatable and I simply can not find the whole knowledge of the situation so, I'm just going to come to the conclusion that the Knowledge simply does not exist or it does not matter if it does exist"
@SouljahForLove ....Rather than pursuing truth, knowledge, and the light in all situations. I think all topics and all subjects of ALL arenas of knowledge should be explored in order for us to advance as a whole... no matter how "pointless, meaningless, or mundane" these topics may appear to those of us with higher levels of awareness.....
@trick0171 ....Rather than pursuing truth, knowledge, and the light in all situations. I think all topics and all subjects of ALL arenas of knowledge should be explored in order for us to advance as a whole... no matter how "pointless, meaningless, or mundane" these topics may appear to those of us with higher levels of awareness.....
@trick0171 Great point, but turning it around gives: "Either a choice is enabled via a previous choice or via acausal events." If enabled by previous choices this creates an infinite string of free will choices w/ no initial choice - just as material causality creates an infinite string of material events w/ no initial event. Taking free will as an innate function of consciousness (and primary to matter) gives this opposite (and equally unprovable) perspective.
I apologize if I am misunderstanding you. I would say:
No, it is either enabled by a previous cause (not previous "choice") or via an acausal event. The previous cause could possibly be a previous choice, but need not be, and always leads back to events that are a cause that is not "chosen" (events prior to being born even), or acausal events (which are not chosen). In other words our choices (all of them) are dictated by events that are not choices.
@lorax2013 Okay, I see what you are saying but regardless this includes some form of a design. It does not escape the determined mode of things. Regardless of what it may be based upon, it is still reliant on something regardless of its far reaching hypothetical possibilities. I think there is some third answer humans aren't capable of understanding, which is based off of the fact that we can not understand the possibility of infinity while comprehending an ending.
@trick0171Maybe you proved me wrong. Thank you. I was focused on showing there was no way to prove material causality over will. However, I admit that any will forced by consciousness itself could be defined as constrained. I suppose, per your proof, whenever consciousness displays will/desire it is constrained and the only free form of consciousness is one without desire. Interesting to see that idea in a logical proof. Does this philosophical proof change anyone - I doubt it.
@trick0171 And for all you women out there, don't ever date this guy, he will pretend he's such a nice decent guy, but instead he has a second agenda, he's very insecure as a man and he needs to mess up women's lives. His game will take just as long as you'll let him. This guy is seriously sick, stay away from him.
Romantic Brothers Flowers! New Anti Stress song about real situation in World and politics! Dance and scream out Depression! Hilarious Romantic Brothers FLOWERS!
Aren't the international bankers and their oppressive economic system the biggest conspiracy theory out there? My two favorite conspiracy videos were, The Capitalist Conspiracy and The Money Masters.
I really hate the term conspiracy theory, I prefer to look at the facts and I find if I look at enough facts the principles illustrate themselves. Then if you put all the information together about fluoride, aspartame, gmo food, chemtrails, false flag terror, eugenics, the monetary system, mind control etc. it becomes clear that there is a common thread connecting all these issues together, basically an intellectual elite is ruling by force and subterfuge. It's obvious if you really look.
I agree that we should focus on what meaningful actions we can take to improve our lives and society. Conspiracy theories, I hate the term because it is so full of implies connotations, can actually lead us to realize how we can improve ourselves. For example I had no idea 5 years ago that my food was genetically engineered and that was really bad for me. I watched a movie called the future of food which basically laid out a conspiracy theory about Monsanto, and it completely changed my life.
Though philosophy is fascinating, it is also very absorbing. One can discuss ones own belief on a matter with great gusto and persuasion. We can think about our beliefs throughout the night. We could expend countless hours attempting to seek out internet sources which reflect our beliefs. All the while, however, the government pass laws and remove rights. Philosophy keeps us asleep, not awake or aware.
Maybe conciousness is not directly determined by matter, but it is also not simply "intertwined with matter." It has been proven that conciousness is most definately infulenced by the brain.
"In the 1980's, a California research team asked people to tap a finger, at a time of their own choosing, and note the time of their decision by checking a clock. Brain regions responsible for triggering movements started generating activity half a second before any movement was made.
However, subjects only reproted awareness of their decision a few tenths of a second later, shortly after the movement began." (Aamodt 176) ~ Aamodt, Sandra M.D. and Sam Wang M.D. "Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Cars Keys but Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life."
Many determinists state "matter = conciousness" as an assumption, and do not know the studies to back their claims; but the studies are there, even if many are ignorant of their exsistence.
Lorax-If you think that the slow, methodical introduction of fiat paper money by banking cartels into this country, in order to eventually bankrupt us, is not a conspiracy then you are out of your mind. Its the only conspiracy that matters.
"Is food making America stupid" is your conspiracy theory therefore it is not true according to this video.
Zionists are the greatest problem of the world today and that is not a conspiracy theory it is just not approved in the mainstream media because the word Jew has been welded to the word Hitler and everybody is afraid of the subject. This creates a shield against criticism and investigation of the biggest crime network the world has ever produced.
How about some evidence that the Zionists are not responsible for most of the worlds crime and corruption? Any evidence of the Zionists NOT being involved in the 9/11 attack, USS Liberty, the recent Georgian conflict...?
I think the work done on the analysis of the link between the changes in brain temperature during periods of active thought are strong evidence that consciousness is material.
The logic you are applying is confirming a previous belief. In other words, your logic is false and narrow minded, considering only your point of view. Try to think outside of your own box. Isn't the whole consciousness concept about it having an effect on materia. Consider this: consciousness and matter inseparable, processing going on, energy increasing, heat! You can't separate the two, there is not one without the other. Dualisms are bad for you. :)
What I mean, is that I think I have thought the same things you are talking about, putting energy into things that are meaningful rather than meaningless, even though it's really difficult to identify how one may do this. Research and becoming more ''aware'' is tough work, but in the end, what other reason do we have to live if one is dissatisfied with mere hedonism. Salut!
Bonjour Loren. Thanks for this video. I have listened to it twice and it has, once again, stirred thoughts I hadn't really considered, at least in such a tangible way.
Hey... turns out I'm actually thinking the more interesting subjects, even if so far I haven't really changed the world. This is encouraging. Thanks Lorax!
Your brain power causes rainbows of lead through my eyeballs. I felt like I fell down a worm hole and skinned my shin bones on opposite sides till the end where I fell on a feather bed with naked chickens watching.
GOTCHA!
Just playing with your mind(s)
Very interesting. Liked this video, may I play along?
To know how the world really works and how to improve my life as well as others, Ive studied (and discussed) philosophy, religion and the discoveries of science. Not to forget nutrition, exercising and subjects related to psychology and healing. All of this is tied together.
The real quest about the truth should still be a journey within - this is where I have found the most wisdom. To know the thoughts of God, for everything else becomes irrelevant without it.
Not about particular events but to get the big picture in economical, environmental, health and political aspects and to see what media is used for. This is where the politics, economy, conspiracies, peak oil, health, diet and science all come together.
Ive not taken part in any major discussions about free will, but thought it through.
What if I have dug into all of those things? When you really dig into this, you can make no separation. To deeply know how to make a difference in your own life and in the society, you have to study all these subjects: economy, conspiracy theories, Peak Oil, philosophy, free will (answers to this will probably come if you study to improve your life), diet.
To know how the society works, it is preferable to investigate the conspiracy theories (sort of).
It seems that you have thought this stuff out. Forgive me if I assume you're leading by example. And so I would like to ask you, what it is that you DO. How do you make a difference? What actions do you take in life outside of debating on youtube? How do you not fit into the category of people that just pontificate and participate in arguments they can win. (like the.. what should we argue about argument)
Hi, I'm about to start working a 40 hour week with no real prospect of getting ANYWHERE near financially solid enough to get a mortgage within the next 5 years. I'd like to know how to 'adapt' to the way the economy works...although I'm in the UK so....but still. Thanks.
@alanna4858 don't get a mortgage, its a trap, instead rent/lease. Right now it is often more affordable to rent/lease than buy if you consider all the additional costs of owning (interest, repairs, taxes, not to mention inflated principal). You also have more freedom of movement without a death pledge, I mean mortgage. I currently lease a $540,000 tax assessed value home on the beach for $850/month water included. It would cost more than double for me to buy this place and I'd be stuck.
I think the creation/evolution debate is important as it affects modern society. For one we can see how creationists try to undermined and cripple scientific teaching in schools. That alone I believe justifies the debate, but on the larger picture I am with Hitchens and Dawkins in believing that religion poisons our culture and societies and we would all benefit from lessening, if not eradicating, its influence.
All the topics you threw out there will be unimportant in 10,000 years. We witness the results of gravity and say, "Hey, there is gravity." It does not require our belief or understanding to function. Likewise with the soul, we witness the results of this life force but it's as easy to deny as turning your back on it. If all debates ultimately come down to perspective and relativism then that should have us trying to find the absolute...the permanent. Denial is a function of free will.
Everyone avoids topics they know is true. I do not debate anyone on my health because their is no debate I'm unhealthy. So the next debate is why am I not doing anything about is the next debate I do not want to have, because I don't have the answers or don't want find the answer, I'm not personally sure and I am not ready to find out.
The reason why I want others to learn about economic is not for them but for me because it will be like the end of Rome bad when the ponzi scam ends.
I have been looking into these debates (economics, health, food, and how I can improve myself and society ) a lot these past few years. And while I came up with plans, I have failed to execute them. I do enjoy watching both sides of those endless debates on YouTube because I feel I am gaining a broader perspective on those issues. This video came at a great time, now in the future I won't feel I have to put effort into old debates; I can create new ones. Thanks for another great video.
What about Occam's razor. You don't need a soul or anything supernatural to explain consciousness. So adding anything else is not only a waste of time but it also makes your hypothesis less likely to be correct according to Occam's razor.
We know you don't need supernatural entities to hold aircraft in the sky but we can't prove they don't. The only reason there is debate around dualism/materialism is because some people want, for emotional reasons, to believe in the soul, mind and supernatural.
@BipedalHumanoid There is an accepted theory and experimental evidence explaining and proving aerodynamics. There is not even a hypothesis and no experimental evidence of the "production" of consciousness. Science would require an accepted theory or a demonstration of abiogenesis. Especially since the other side (matter from consciousness) has debatable evidence. I agree though, everyone is probably arguing from some emotional bias or particular perspective.
Interesting video. I guess another reason that free will is such a fascinating topic is that is encompasses a very fundamental aspect of our existence. Knowing the answer changes everything.
Will be following your channel. Interesting food for thought!
How to improve society? Impossible for an individual to do since it involves many others to agree.
What is fascinating to me about life is that we all want and need the same things as humans when we are born, and then as we get older we loose sight of this simplicity and make it more complicated than it really is
Welcome home!! Glad to see your video again! You look recharged after 4 - 5 months of traveling. While traveling, what kind of food did you eat on a daily basis in all those different places? Good suggestions for where to direct our engery and time.
Shying away from strong opponents, yeah I've noticed this too. Good points! How to improve society would be a good discussion. Intellectuals are probably afraid to diiscuss this because of the optimism behind believing it can be changed for the better lol. Also, no idea is perfect and intellectuals tend to avoid this 'trap'. They have their ego/pride afterall. Good vid.
Great Video I have added it to my favorites. How is the religious free will debate disproved or refuted. It seems to me that it is still up for debate like the other discussions that are hard to prove such as the other free will debates or where does state of consciouss come from? I think I may have misunderstood you.
A primitive example would be your computer playing this video of Lorax. Despite the many complex things represented in the video, we understand that it is all information on the computer and that so long as the information remains unchanged, the video will always play the same. And while this is a primitive example, one should consider that what we are able to represent as information on the computer continues to expand exponentially.
Rational decisions are a product of information (values of variables).
Emotions themselves are a product of information (values of variables).
An entity will always make the same decision with the same information.
The profoundness of this statement relates to the extent one is able to understand all things as information (variables and their values), including time.
We need a type of a quadratic equation to solve one unknown and one partially unknown variable which is to say two unknown variables. The one powerful known quantity we have is Love. The other known quantities are entropy, infinity, and design by consciousness. Design by consciousness is the half known/ unknown quantity.
Do you need to improve your life? Why do you need to improve anything, I know smoking is bad but why should I stop when I enjoy it? Your whole argument is that debating difficult subjects will force you to something, I dont agree. Debating peak oil will not force me to think of and implement an alternative. Understanding the economy will not make me want to be richer there is no reason for me to use more energy to get richer its not what motivates me.
I would say this is my favorite Lorax video to date. Lots of interesting points. Regarding "intellectual" I have always tended to be somewhat repulsed by identifying myself as one . It reminds me of somebody obsessed with working out at the gym in some kind of self indulgent competition with the world to see how many bulging muscles they can show to everyone, until they look like some kind of abomination.. These masturbatory discussions to which you refer are the mental equivalent.
well in my mind free will is not unknowable it has been clearly demonstrated. 130 years of psi research has conclusively proven that human intent has direct, measurable, repeatable, non-local effects on the universe. Although main stream science has regarded this topic as taboo and ignored it for a 100 years. Clearly the mind is correlated with the brain but also more than the brain.
Peek oil is a scam of artificial scarcity by the political/economic powers that be.
Calling something a "conspiracy theory" is totally illuminating and seems to be an intellectual cop out that allows someone to dismiss an argument without considering or even hearing the evidence.
Understanding economics is vitally important, I recommend that people study Austrian economics.
Understanding politics is also vitally important, I recommend studying anarchy to understand state power structures and the systems of control and abuse the result from them
How is the free will debate irrelevant? Just because we live as if we have free will regardless doesn't make it meaningless. Its outcome has huge implications on science, philosophy, religion and other aspects in life. The question is a work in progress, with science getting to know more and more step by step. In the meantime we gotta work with what we know and draw the best conclusions possible from that... not say its irrelevant and leave room for unfounded self made theories.
Oh come on. Positing that unmeasurable things "exist" is completely absurd. Unmeasurable things may be used in theories to help predict things we can measure, but the unmeasurable things don't actually exist. They're just a conceptual map to help us predict events. There's no use and no value in positing metaphysical realms where things "exist".
free will: it can be a fractal or a random action/number generator. At the quantum level universe is probable so there is no strict determinism (i.e. a relation with many probable gradients and not a function) so material "free will" is likely (lol). Jack Rasmus, Steve Keen, and David Harvey are good for the ol' pol/econ exercise. Heinberg gets the peak oil/strategic resource issue across. Hmmm Lorax is 4X4 on diet and getting your head together. Don't forget to study nonlinear thermodynamics.
The things you think are worth while are as unsolvable as the first things you mentioned as not worthy of thought.
Our gmo monsanto food, peak oil ect, are out of our hands as well.
You just prioritized your personal boogy men in a different order and make an unsubstantiated claim that one is somehow more important (subjective) or more easily controlled (unsubstantiated) than the others you first mention.
On your final points.... economics is being discussed quite a bit by quite a few communities and across community boundaries, however, most who understand the system we have want to see it abolished and a free market restored, not work within it. As for peak oil... pretty sure its unproven and a scam the oil community uses to jack up prices. No one would accept these high prices if they knew that oil is produced by extremophile bacteria in an anaerobic process deep in the Earth's crust.
I have studied these things, and I was depressed about it at first, feeling like I needed to save the world and that I couldn't do anything without a majority agreeing with me. But then I realized that I can make changes in my own life and save myself. If other people don't want to listen, than I have to let it go.
this is definitely your way (among other things im sure) of trying to improve your society. by giving your audience a different viewpoint than that of the norm and inviting your viewers to make change in the world.
Your channel was one of the first I subscribed to when I started on youtube. I was impressed with the relaxed succinctness of your presentations. I agreed with most of your thoughts .There is a lot of fluff on youtube.. intellectual flagellation for lack of a better word.The cliche that says "be the change YOU want to see in the world' is one way I look at things.Ideas and imagination rule.. but lets make things happen!.
It is my opinion that there are absolute truths, whether we're capable of reaching these truths on earth or elsewhere, they exist. Therefore given the need to find those truths, whether one is a tortoise or a hare; one runs the race nevertheless. This is life.
It's wise to be practical and to improve one's surroundings, and yet; it's just as important to ponder at great length the higher absolute truth. Both are integral, interdependent parts of the larger puzzle of life.
@JMehrman Good point, I didn't have time to discuss this further. I agree that it is important to seek higher truth. However I think that first it is useful to work your way up Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Secondly, I think that higher issues are best understood by direct experience, and are perhaps incomprehensible through intellect alone. Therefore I think it is still useful to tone back the theorizing / debate and instead focus on traditional practices like meditation.
@lorax2013 About the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: seems to be somewhat incorrect according to recent research in neuroscience. Fascinating video in which this is also discussed: /watch?v=XeJSXfXep4M
@lorax2013 yeah but it's also good to realize what's really obvious like for example look up in the sky every so often and pay attention when they are laying chemtrails down over your head, and maybe also notice where John Holdren has recently talked about geoengineering using airplanes to spread aerosols in the atmosphere. Maybe just glance once at the air force's plan for 2025 "Owning the Weather", then maybe you will actually be able to realize that which you are directly experiencing.
very well said and stimulating. I love your videos. I've pretty much thought of and studied everything you've said so far, but find it hard to implement a plan to improve my life because of my ego.
Stifling free will is "The same as what hierarchy does". Let's say there was a "ghostable interface controller chip" that let's say could be used for crashing a prez's plane or a bunch of Toyota's. The gamers or hierarchal are going to act as mercy deficient to try to "cash in" or "up status" themselves. Lack of free will has to do with compulsive or overcompelling circumstances. The spy chip flies under the legal radar.
@hypnofan35 With a lot of rules and laws and enforcements there is a strong push and pull, but without this there can be a far freer give and take kind of cooperation. Free give and take of ideas and concepts = Free will. Hierarchy is contrary to free will or contrained or blocked ideas and concepts, because hierarchy is ordered to the purpose of more for some less or non for outsiders and inferiors.
This is one of the worst arguments I've seen refuting lack of free will. "No evidence that conciousness is a product of matter". The logical fallacy here is "shift the burden of proof". The default position has to be that conciousness is a product of matter and the burden of proof lies on someone claiming otherwise. It's identical to the argument, 'You can't prove god doesn't exist, so he does exist'. This argument is just as bad as the religious argument he discarded just previously.
urprivacypolicysucks 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
A universe with free will is "equivalent" to a universe without free will. This knowledge is going viral. I can explain this view and trace is back to the Law of the Excluded Middle. Please take a look at my developments.
To find my main page search FaceBook for "Mathematics and Conjectural Reasoning for Math & Physics".
HeliumXenonKrypton 1 month ago
I've also noticed among certain free will philosophers that there is an undue focus on the mechanics of how things work, which is equated with determinism. This is incorrect. Mechanics only tells us the inner workings of things but not don't point to determinism. This mistake is made not only by philosophers, but material scientists. Daniel Wegner is one example.
TheJoyfulPianist 3 months ago
First of all, I don't see how free will and everything else outside of conspiracy theories are unimportant. I would think that they should be the highest of issues being discussed. What if solipsits are right? If nothing exists, then would that not have more of an impact on our lives than the ecomony and every other thing that isn't even real? Also, could you make a video on your opinion of suicide?
quantummechanics1997 3 months ago
Hey i buy you a decent microphone if you promise to use it. Deal?
StubHorn 6 months ago
free will is not the right "thing" to say, but rather free choice.
I personally dont believe we have either one. I explain this in my video without being too technical.
cheers.
jaalul 7 months ago
Brilliant!
bijouxmusic 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This guy is a f... moron, this guy is not only a criminal, he's very sick too. He stole a lot of money using 10 creditcards, the banks and IRS are after him big time and now he's trying to sell his house which is under a trust cause he's getting scared. And for all you women out there, don't ever date this guy, he will pretend he's such a nice decent guy, but instead he has a second agenda, he's very insecure as a man and he needs to mess up women's lives. Stay away from him.
DutchGirl13131313 10 months ago
conspiracy theories won't change your life?? Wrong, events of 9/11 led me to find out about fluoride which will probably save my life in the long run. So how does the knowledge and conspiracy debate not affect my life? It does.
mishabaikal 11 months ago
meaningless unprovable debates = all philosophical debates
marsh84722 11 months ago
Yes! The courage to focus. That's a powerful thing.
ElfisPerezLee 1 year ago
I appreciate your strides toward intellectual honesty. Using the freewill debate to emphasize recycled intellectual futility was almost brilliant. I have found intellectual freedom, simply by turning my back on such topics. It’s a matter of how vanity manifests itself in our lives. For now, I’m content with studying how I might improve society and self by understanding basic nutrition, active metabolism and clean, life sustaining hydration. Discovering homeopathy has also become a joy for me.
rdcast 1 year ago
A side note/question: Is it intuitive for most people to believe, tho each path must be unique, there exists a potential to once again, intermingle in a common place, yet beyond this reality? Again, is this an intuitive understanding, much like the understanding, why we shouldn’t eat rats or vultures?
rdcast 1 year ago
consciousness is material or non material - we've no reason to believe the non material exists so 'consciousness is material' is the default
if you try to refute 'consciousness is material' with an epistemological shrug of the shoulders you end up with descartes brain in a vat unable to assert anything other than your own existence & the logical absolutes, which i think is just as ludicrous position as believing you dont have free will
hume said he forgot about free will when he played cards
tsarenvy 1 year ago
it is a meaningless debate. consider the following mind experiement: let's say that I found a way to absolutely prove that free will doesn't exist. it wouldn't matter, because I would ask myself, "Have I ever been happy?"Have I ever set my mind to accomplish something and achieved it?" yes to both. so the discussion has no relevence. you're on target lorax, people are too busy knitting thneeds to notice the dissappearing truffula trees (Dr. Seuss people know that of which I speak)
giaofnature 1 year ago
...show me bible verses on free will please.
mcriot80 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Of those who will argue for the 98% of political discussions -- I ask, don't all political "DISCUSSIONS" that attempt to be solutions first start as this echo chamber, then progress to a consensus in order to be successful? Are you asserting that all political ideas that do not possess an immediate solution to fix the government's flaws must be proposed by a cop-out?
(more)
quiksilvermbd 1 year ago
Comment removed
quiksilvermbd 1 year ago
Pure nonsense. Of course there is no free will, and this insight is important and favourable in daily life - provided that you can stand it!
Read Spinoza.
ArgusSlayer 1 year ago
I agree with you on free will! Free will can have a chain reaction that does not mean free will does not exist why make choices a choice comes from will. It is pointless....
MsExoticBliss 1 year ago
@MsExoticBliss ur overthinking it ur reply made no sense, having a chain reaction actualy implies its existance so why would you argue that that doesnt mean it doesnt exist
franco319 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The big Oil corporations are trying their best to stop free energy ideas from spreading to common ppl.
We need to put an end to this corruption ,start generating ur own electricity now.
Visit LT-MAGNET-MOTORdotCOM and get the blueprints . Join the Revolution!!
perplexfraction 1 year ago
it is not a meaningless debate, its the question whether this scene of self is participating in the decision making , or is it just an observer watching the movie of your thoughts feelings, and choices unfold !?
smartmarlino 1 year ago
im only 17 man i didnt understand all the stuff you said lols but real good stuff i want to try out how to improve my life one got any advise ?
swordmas7544 1 year ago
@swordmas7544 Hey I read this, and I thought I would reply mostly because your message stood out to me. I'm not saying that my advice is the best, and I realize I am mistaken often, but if my advice helps I am glad. Find out what it is you enjoy in life, and embrace it. The world doesn't have any answers, we create our own and our answers are based off of the genetic makeup we are born with, and what we learn in life. Be humble about your own answers and be prepared to accept alternative ideas.
drattiswhereitsat 1 year ago
@drattiswhereitsat wow i just read your message a year later <.< now i am 18 but i re watched your video i understand it more know but i also understand your advice be true what i think is the best way to improve my life even though others might not view it that way and be open to another ways of improving
swordmas7544 3 weeks ago
I'm guessing this guy is a cancer
drattiswhereitsat 1 year ago
The point is, people feel scare of dying, the society made up people 's minds existing life after death, we have a spirit, when we die, our spirits go to another world, what they call it, spirit world, that we 'll be judged according to our behaviour here in the ground when we were alive, others believe we 'll be born again into a better life situation, into a worst life situation, but everything is moonshine,cuz the true stuff is,we are born, we only 'll die, it is forever, no life after death.
TheFreedomly 1 year ago
Wie the end of the Video Hit Me really hard. Right in the face. SLAP! Thank you!
hanspetervertreter 1 year ago
I used to believe in free will alone. Now I believe in destiny. I have changed my mind because of scientific evidence/life experience.
sillysimon12345 1 year ago
@sillysimon12345
I feel destiny is something that involves free will; fate may be predetermined.
carefulcarpenter 1 year ago
It's not clear to me that political debate is a meaningless waste of time amounting to avoidance when we live in a democracy where we elect our public officials who decide policy. If the general, non-activist, but VOTING public did not engage in such "useless" political discussions, we'd be in worse trouble than we're in. The real problem with politics is that it's a charade, a puppet-show, with all parties controlled by the same banksters. One thing we can do about that is to SAY IT.
HugoCrammit 1 year ago
Excellent. I do think general discussion on politics, for e.g., contributes to the zeitgeist, which in turn could lead to change. For me, one of those big & difficult subjects is vegetarianism. I am a vegetarian & became one through a process of reason - I have no particular interest in animals. This is a subject that few people talk about and usually, when they do think about it on more than a superficial level, they immediately withdraw, as the result is not fun - abstinence., in my case.
andwilmor 1 year ago
Is predestination assumed when discussing a chemical reaction? Is the causal effect of the Big Bang brought up when trying to understand the functions of a whale brain? What relevance is there in injecting philosophical debate concerning the Big Bang or supposed predestination when discussing the functions and movement of the sun? Why do some individuals add unnecessary complexity and confusion to the issue of human brain structure and function by injecting such irrelevant philosophical debates?
unseenstrings 1 year ago
Can a physical chemical be injected into a vein to effect a supposed nonphysical thing, such as "mind" or "free will"? Can you show any valid reason we should assume something nonphysical is involved when we have gaps in our knowledge concerning processes of physical systems? Can you give a valid reason we should assume free will is true, based on supposed quantum randomness? Is a truly random event predictable? Do you realize free will is analogous to free wind? Can the "nonphysical" be proved?
unseenstrings 1 year ago
Also the many worlds/universes theory is not enough to give free will in the sense of giveng meaning to morality.
MakinMagicFractals 1 year ago
To add to that *if* consciousness is based on more than just matter then essentially it *could* be partly based on something (call it the soul?) that is not purely deterministic or random.
I *believe* that this something is such that it gives us free will essentially because without this the traditionally accepted meaning of "morality" becomes nonsensical.
MakinMagicFractals 1 year ago
Regarding free will, I believe it is important because it impinges on some of the most fundamental beliefs of many religions and consequently of many people.
I *believe* that consciousness is at least partly based on matter and prior to this video blithely assumed that science "knew" consciousness was totally based on matter - I stand corrected.
In any case the problem with science is that the most fundamental thing science tells us is that the more we know, then the more we know we don't know.
MakinMagicFractals 1 year ago
@lorax2013
There is no primary cause to an infinite (going back to infinity) chain of events, and it does not matter if there is one, especially if the "chain" precedes the consciousness making the choice.
When you suggest "data" is required for provability, you are suggesting that deductive logic is not reliable. For example, saying a round square cannot exist in another galaxy is based on the law of non-contradiction, not empirical data of all galaxies.
trick0171 1 year ago
@lorax2013
Thanks for the reply lorax2013. Yes, both genetics and environment are causal factors, but they need not be the only. Even if we pose some supernatural element that connects to our thoughts, that element cannot (logically) escape the causal/acausal dichotomy.
You also make 2 non-sequiturs regarding: 1) that it proves no beginning of consciousness, and 2) that it proves memory necessary for consciousness (though it most likely is, but causality does not prove this).
trick0171 1 year ago
is somebody here can help me with my project . i have to gain more and more words that certify that FREE WILL is really existing and i also need words that can make me believe that DETERMINISM is not existing
But i really appreciate it if somebody here will help me about my project the free will debate VS. determinism
i am on side of FREE WILL
thanks
crizyliciouz 1 year ago
You can't even prove that the evolution of matter in the world is predestined. In fact, quantum mechanics teaches the exact opposite. Qurantum mechanics is a probability theory and the standard interpretation is that future events are not predestined. They occur more or less likely.
bhigr 1 year ago
@lorax2013 Matter and mind are indissolubly linked, yes. Yet the notion that consciousness arose from matter is, when unpacked, internally incoherent and therefore unthinkable. It is what is known in philosophy as a category error. The mechanism offered by orthodox biology (random mutation plus natural selection) may explain how physical complexity came about, but is no explanation at all for how consciousness came about.
raggedmoorlander 1 year ago
I see all polarized perspectives as being complementary (not and/or but either and/or). The problem becomes when we try to impose our perceptions from the shady side of the mountain to those on the sunny side of the mountain.
sunergos2001 1 year ago
fantastic video, I love how you force me to reflect how much time I spend deading my consciousness with garbage. thanks for uploading this.
doorman360 1 year ago
This video is wrong on so many different levels regarding the "free will" debate.
The free will debate is NOT only based on a materialistic worldview of consciousness (and there IS evidence of thus - but it is not needed for an understanding that there is no free will). It is based on the nature of causality, regardless if a cause happens to matter or to some other unknown. It is about the nature of EVENTS, and the possible ways they can come about.
(MORE 1)
trick0171 1 year ago 6
They are all succeptable to the causal/acausal dichotomy. Either an event (ANY event) happens via a cause or it does not. If it happens via a cause, it is forced by that cause, and that cause is forced by the cause that precedes it, etc. It can never be free. If an event comes about acausality, it cannot be willed in any way (because a willer is required). Free will is a LOGICAL absurdity, and the argument against it is not reliant on materialism.
(MORE 2)
trick0171 1 year ago 10
The free will debate is also NOT a meaningless debate at all, and one does not have to act like free will exists. There is much that relies on whether we have free will or not --- as a base understanding. This includes ethical responsibility, economics, criminology (retrobutivism vs rehabilitation), psychology, blame and being more worthy than others, and so much more. It is one of the most important questions we can ask.
Thanks.
(END 3)
trick0171 1 year ago 10
This has been flagged as spam show
@trick0171 This guy is a f... moron, he's acting like he's all that great, but this guy is not only a criminal, he's very sick too. He stole a lot of money using 10 creditcards, the banks and IRS are after him big time and now he's trying to sell his house which is under a trust cause he's getting scared. This guy is a criminal first class so don't think he's all so good, he may know how to invest on the market, but he plays an unfair game.
DutchGirl13131313 10 months ago
@trick0171 Part 1 to my comment is this: So this guy says it is a meaningless debate... Meaningless to him perhaps considering he comes to the conclusion that, "because this subject or topic is so debatable and I simply can not find the whole knowledge of the situation so, I'm just going to come to the conclusion that the Knowledge simply does not exist or it does not matter if it does exist"
SouljahForLove 9 months ago
@SouljahForLove ....Rather than pursuing truth, knowledge, and the light in all situations. I think all topics and all subjects of ALL arenas of knowledge should be explored in order for us to advance as a whole... no matter how "pointless, meaningless, or mundane" these topics may appear to those of us with higher levels of awareness.....
SouljahForLove 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@trick0171 ....Rather than pursuing truth, knowledge, and the light in all situations. I think all topics and all subjects of ALL arenas of knowledge should be explored in order for us to advance as a whole... no matter how "pointless, meaningless, or mundane" these topics may appear to those of us with higher levels of awareness.....
SouljahForLove 9 months ago
@trick0171 Great point, but turning it around gives: "Either a choice is enabled via a previous choice or via acausal events." If enabled by previous choices this creates an infinite string of free will choices w/ no initial choice - just as material causality creates an infinite string of material events w/ no initial event. Taking free will as an innate function of consciousness (and primary to matter) gives this opposite (and equally unprovable) perspective.
lorax2013 1 year ago
@lorax2013
I apologize if I am misunderstanding you. I would say:
No, it is either enabled by a previous cause (not previous "choice") or via an acausal event. The previous cause could possibly be a previous choice, but need not be, and always leads back to events that are a cause that is not "chosen" (events prior to being born even), or acausal events (which are not chosen). In other words our choices (all of them) are dictated by events that are not choices.
trick0171 1 year ago 3
@lorax2013 Okay, I see what you are saying but regardless this includes some form of a design. It does not escape the determined mode of things. Regardless of what it may be based upon, it is still reliant on something regardless of its far reaching hypothetical possibilities. I think there is some third answer humans aren't capable of understanding, which is based off of the fact that we can not understand the possibility of infinity while comprehending an ending.
drattiswhereitsat 1 year ago
@trick0171Maybe you proved me wrong. Thank you. I was focused on showing there was no way to prove material causality over will. However, I admit that any will forced by consciousness itself could be defined as constrained. I suppose, per your proof, whenever consciousness displays will/desire it is constrained and the only free form of consciousness is one without desire. Interesting to see that idea in a logical proof. Does this philosophical proof change anyone - I doubt it.
lorax2013 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@trick0171 And for all you women out there, don't ever date this guy, he will pretend he's such a nice decent guy, but instead he has a second agenda, he's very insecure as a man and he needs to mess up women's lives. His game will take just as long as you'll let him. This guy is seriously sick, stay away from him.
DutchGirl13131313 10 months ago
Romantic Brothers Flowers! New Anti Stress song about real situation in World and politics! Dance and scream out Depression! Hilarious Romantic Brothers FLOWERS!
Germtrancsuperman 1 year ago
Aren't the international bankers and their oppressive economic system the biggest conspiracy theory out there? My two favorite conspiracy videos were, The Capitalist Conspiracy and The Money Masters.
mikelanzaro 1 year ago
I really hate the term conspiracy theory, I prefer to look at the facts and I find if I look at enough facts the principles illustrate themselves. Then if you put all the information together about fluoride, aspartame, gmo food, chemtrails, false flag terror, eugenics, the monetary system, mind control etc. it becomes clear that there is a common thread connecting all these issues together, basically an intellectual elite is ruling by force and subterfuge. It's obvious if you really look.
gnayler 1 year ago
I agree that we should focus on what meaningful actions we can take to improve our lives and society. Conspiracy theories, I hate the term because it is so full of implies connotations, can actually lead us to realize how we can improve ourselves. For example I had no idea 5 years ago that my food was genetically engineered and that was really bad for me. I watched a movie called the future of food which basically laid out a conspiracy theory about Monsanto, and it completely changed my life.
gnayler 1 year ago
This is by far the most important video you've made, it forces us to look at ourselves internally.
moniequa 1 year ago
I'm inspired. Thanks lorax2013!
MonsieurSix 1 year ago
Excellent video. Thank you, Lorax.
riethc 1 year ago
Though philosophy is fascinating, it is also very absorbing. One can discuss ones own belief on a matter with great gusto and persuasion. We can think about our beliefs throughout the night. We could expend countless hours attempting to seek out internet sources which reflect our beliefs. All the while, however, the government pass laws and remove rights. Philosophy keeps us asleep, not awake or aware.
CelticReject 1 year ago
@CelticReject It depends on how you apply your philosophic abilities. I'd recommend reading some Plato and staying far, far away from existentialism.
riethc 1 year ago
Maybe conciousness is not directly determined by matter, but it is also not simply "intertwined with matter." It has been proven that conciousness is most definately infulenced by the brain.
"In the 1980's, a California research team asked people to tap a finger, at a time of their own choosing, and note the time of their decision by checking a clock. Brain regions responsible for triggering movements started generating activity half a second before any movement was made.
KathyGurl14 1 year ago
@ KathyGurl14
However, subjects only reproted awareness of their decision a few tenths of a second later, shortly after the movement began." (Aamodt 176) ~ Aamodt, Sandra M.D. and Sam Wang M.D. "Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Cars Keys but Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life."
KathyGurl14 1 year ago
@KathyGurl14
Many determinists state "matter = conciousness" as an assumption, and do not know the studies to back their claims; but the studies are there, even if many are ignorant of their exsistence.
KathyGurl14 1 year ago
@KathyGurl14
Even with this critisism, overall, great video!
KathyGurl14 1 year ago
@KathyGurl14 Surely, the brain controls the body. But what controls the brain?
riethc 1 year ago
@riethc
You make the mind and the body something dualistic, when it is not. The brain is part of the body, and it is influenced by genetics and experiences.
KathyGurl14 1 year ago
Lorax-If you think that the slow, methodical introduction of fiat paper money by banking cartels into this country, in order to eventually bankrupt us, is not a conspiracy then you are out of your mind. Its the only conspiracy that matters.
TadRapidly 1 year ago
For matter to exist there has to be a consciousness in which it exists. Consciousness (God) comes first. its a no-brainer.
TadRapidly 1 year ago
"Is food making America stupid" is your conspiracy theory therefore it is not true according to this video.
Zionists are the greatest problem of the world today and that is not a conspiracy theory it is just not approved in the mainstream media because the word Jew has been welded to the word Hitler and everybody is afraid of the subject. This creates a shield against criticism and investigation of the biggest crime network the world has ever produced.
DirectQuestion 1 year ago
Consciousness and matter are intertwined in this dimension free will is infinite.
:) enjoy your projected illusion and keeping it real your videos,helping others and friendship:)here's to freewill and consciousness and new science.
brightlightbabe 1 year ago
Love the Prize fighter/Top Intellectual never shying away from a fight/debate opportunity. Until they see a more formidable opponent.
skyrminor 1 year ago
Spot on
WilliamSchlott 1 year ago
How about some evidence that the Zionists are not responsible for most of the worlds crime and corruption? Any evidence of the Zionists NOT being involved in the 9/11 attack, USS Liberty, the recent Georgian conflict...?
DirectQuestion 1 year ago
I think the work done on the analysis of the link between the changes in brain temperature during periods of active thought are strong evidence that consciousness is material.
Patavinity 1 year ago
@Patavinity
The logic you are applying is confirming a previous belief. In other words, your logic is false and narrow minded, considering only your point of view. Try to think outside of your own box. Isn't the whole consciousness concept about it having an effect on materia. Consider this: consciousness and matter inseparable, processing going on, energy increasing, heat! You can't separate the two, there is not one without the other. Dualisms are bad for you. :)
love & harmony
maydangerous 1 year ago
What I mean, is that I think I have thought the same things you are talking about, putting energy into things that are meaningful rather than meaningless, even though it's really difficult to identify how one may do this. Research and becoming more ''aware'' is tough work, but in the end, what other reason do we have to live if one is dissatisfied with mere hedonism. Salut!
ThomasDeanNordlum 1 year ago
Bonjour Loren. Thanks for this video. I have listened to it twice and it has, once again, stirred thoughts I hadn't really considered, at least in such a tangible way.
ThomasDeanNordlum 1 year ago
Hey... turns out I'm actually thinking the more interesting subjects, even if so far I haven't really changed the world. This is encouraging. Thanks Lorax!
luserjoe 1 year ago
Your brain power causes rainbows of lead through my eyeballs. I felt like I fell down a worm hole and skinned my shin bones on opposite sides till the end where I fell on a feather bed with naked chickens watching.
GOTCHA!
Just playing with your mind(s)
Very interesting. Liked this video, may I play along?
(p.s. freewillisyourgreatestgiftastimeonlyexistsoutsidethevacumofwhatweknowjustaskfrankenstein)
TheLeftofright 1 year ago
My question is: How can you say something is meaningless and a waste of time in a world where everything has an effect on everything.
maydangerous 1 year ago
To know how the world really works and how to improve my life as well as others, Ive studied (and discussed) philosophy, religion and the discoveries of science. Not to forget nutrition, exercising and subjects related to psychology and healing. All of this is tied together.
The real quest about the truth should still be a journey within - this is where I have found the most wisdom. To know the thoughts of God, for everything else becomes irrelevant without it.
maydangerous 1 year ago
Not about particular events but to get the big picture in economical, environmental, health and political aspects and to see what media is used for. This is where the politics, economy, conspiracies, peak oil, health, diet and science all come together.
Ive not taken part in any major discussions about free will, but thought it through.
maydangerous 1 year ago
What if I have dug into all of those things? When you really dig into this, you can make no separation. To deeply know how to make a difference in your own life and in the society, you have to study all these subjects: economy, conspiracy theories, Peak Oil, philosophy, free will (answers to this will probably come if you study to improve your life), diet.
To know how the society works, it is preferable to investigate the conspiracy theories (sort of).
maydangerous 1 year ago
kick ass lorax
fancychance57 1 year ago
It seems that you have thought this stuff out. Forgive me if I assume you're leading by example. And so I would like to ask you, what it is that you DO. How do you make a difference? What actions do you take in life outside of debating on youtube? How do you not fit into the category of people that just pontificate and participate in arguments they can win. (like the.. what should we argue about argument)
dmi3000 1 year ago
wow, painful but convicting, thanks again for posting
punjab6856 1 year ago
great vid! ;-)
5gorgeous 1 year ago
Hi, I'm about to start working a 40 hour week with no real prospect of getting ANYWHERE near financially solid enough to get a mortgage within the next 5 years. I'd like to know how to 'adapt' to the way the economy works...although I'm in the UK so....but still. Thanks.
alanna4858 1 year ago
@alanna4858 don't get a mortgage, its a trap, instead rent/lease. Right now it is often more affordable to rent/lease than buy if you consider all the additional costs of owning (interest, repairs, taxes, not to mention inflated principal). You also have more freedom of movement without a death pledge, I mean mortgage. I currently lease a $540,000 tax assessed value home on the beach for $850/month water included. It would cost more than double for me to buy this place and I'd be stuck.
gnayler 1 year ago
Comment removed
theapc816 1 year ago
these philosophy and metaphysical videos you are putting out are extremely naive and sophomoric.
xNickTheBrickx 1 year ago 3
I think the creation/evolution debate is important as it affects modern society. For one we can see how creationists try to undermined and cripple scientific teaching in schools. That alone I believe justifies the debate, but on the larger picture I am with Hitchens and Dawkins in believing that religion poisons our culture and societies and we would all benefit from lessening, if not eradicating, its influence.
Otherwise, I am in general agreement.
fishypaw 1 year ago
All the topics you threw out there will be unimportant in 10,000 years. We witness the results of gravity and say, "Hey, there is gravity." It does not require our belief or understanding to function. Likewise with the soul, we witness the results of this life force but it's as easy to deny as turning your back on it. If all debates ultimately come down to perspective and relativism then that should have us trying to find the absolute...the permanent. Denial is a function of free will.
tnash71 1 year ago
Gawd Lorax, how I've missed the cool breeze of your sanity and wisdom.
"How can I improve my life?" "How can I improve society?"
Two profound questions we should all ask of ourselves.
KiaOra53 1 year ago
Impressive. Thank you.
ChrmdLabradorite 1 year ago
Everyone avoids topics they know is true. I do not debate anyone on my health because their is no debate I'm unhealthy. So the next debate is why am I not doing anything about is the next debate I do not want to have, because I don't have the answers or don't want find the answer, I'm not personally sure and I am not ready to find out.
The reason why I want others to learn about economic is not for them but for me because it will be like the end of Rome bad when the ponzi scam ends.
davincij15 1 year ago
Here is a mind bender are we an animal on this planet with a specialized ability of intelligence?
Personally I think we are animals and subjected to basic action reaction of our environment and most importantly to other animals (meaning humans).
This is my personal revelation that has strong implications on how I live from now on.
davincij15 1 year ago
I have been looking into these debates (economics, health, food, and how I can improve myself and society ) a lot these past few years. And while I came up with plans, I have failed to execute them. I do enjoy watching both sides of those endless debates on YouTube because I feel I am gaining a broader perspective on those issues. This video came at a great time, now in the future I won't feel I have to put effort into old debates; I can create new ones. Thanks for another great video.
CitizensErupt 1 year ago
You should also check out the Compatibilist position in relation to determinism and free will. Dennett has a lot to say about it.
BipedalHumanoid 1 year ago
What about Occam's razor. You don't need a soul or anything supernatural to explain consciousness. So adding anything else is not only a waste of time but it also makes your hypothesis less likely to be correct according to Occam's razor.
BipedalHumanoid 1 year ago
We know you don't need supernatural entities to hold aircraft in the sky but we can't prove they don't. The only reason there is debate around dualism/materialism is because some people want, for emotional reasons, to believe in the soul, mind and supernatural.
BipedalHumanoid 1 year ago 2
@BipedalHumanoid There is an accepted theory and experimental evidence explaining and proving aerodynamics. There is not even a hypothesis and no experimental evidence of the "production" of consciousness. Science would require an accepted theory or a demonstration of abiogenesis. Especially since the other side (matter from consciousness) has debatable evidence. I agree though, everyone is probably arguing from some emotional bias or particular perspective.
lorax2013 1 year ago
Interesting video. I guess another reason that free will is such a fascinating topic is that is encompasses a very fundamental aspect of our existence. Knowing the answer changes everything.
Will be following your channel. Interesting food for thought!
nielsww 1 year ago
How to improve society? Impossible for an individual to do since it involves many others to agree.
What is fascinating to me about life is that we all want and need the same things as humans when we are born, and then as we get older we loose sight of this simplicity and make it more complicated than it really is
SOCRATES012 1 year ago
i agree with everything you say on here. i wonder, when you talk to the camera, are you talking to yourself or others? Or can it be both?
Also, how to improve one's life? that's easy - just try and you will succeed since trying is succeeding but not many people acknowledge that fact.
SOCRATES012 1 year ago
This is an excellent discussion, I just subscribed to your channel.
tabrizi79 1 year ago
Welcome home!! Glad to see your video again! You look recharged after 4 - 5 months of traveling. While traveling, what kind of food did you eat on a daily basis in all those different places? Good suggestions for where to direct our engery and time.
nocoincidence59 1 year ago
great video as always from lorax. But please tell me that isn't a snuggy you are waring.
1968wadsworth 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to more videos in the future.
envyshoes 1 year ago
Shying away from strong opponents, yeah I've noticed this too. Good points! How to improve society would be a good discussion. Intellectuals are probably afraid to diiscuss this because of the optimism behind believing it can be changed for the better lol. Also, no idea is perfect and intellectuals tend to avoid this 'trap'. They have their ego/pride afterall. Good vid.
Neurolanis 1 year ago
Great Video I have added it to my favorites. How is the religious free will debate disproved or refuted. It seems to me that it is still up for debate like the other discussions that are hard to prove such as the other free will debates or where does state of consciouss come from? I think I may have misunderstood you.
freedom4life77 1 year ago
agree. great video
Jfrisella 1 year ago
Good Man. I
ham1510 1 year ago
A primitive example would be your computer playing this video of Lorax. Despite the many complex things represented in the video, we understand that it is all information on the computer and that so long as the information remains unchanged, the video will always play the same. And while this is a primitive example, one should consider that what we are able to represent as information on the computer continues to expand exponentially.
ItalicBold 1 year ago
A few points regarding free will:
A decision can either be rational or emotional.
Rational decisions are a product of information (values of variables).
Emotions themselves are a product of information (values of variables).
An entity will always make the same decision with the same information.
The profoundness of this statement relates to the extent one is able to understand all things as information (variables and their values), including time.
ItalicBold 1 year ago
you, sir, are awesome. it's nice to see a philosofical vlog, to counter-balance all the people falling and getting hit by stuff
ricardjorg 1 year ago
If ALL is consciousness then Freewill or not is simply your choice
based on your consciousness
If ALL is one, then U R everything unless U limit yourself consciously
its ALL your choice - you manifest what you consciously believe
U R the universe - you're own
The reality of what we share is just that which is common amongst our own personal universes
The more we become of who we are, the more we become of each other,
and hence of it ALL -
2JOHNNYT 1 year ago
If all is consciousness then Freewill or not is simply your choice
based on your consciousness
if all is one, the one is all and there is no limitation
you are all, everything unless your consciousness limits yourself
its all your choice
2JOHNNYT 1 year ago
We need a type of a quadratic equation to solve one unknown and one partially unknown variable which is to say two unknown variables. The one powerful known quantity we have is Love. The other known quantities are entropy, infinity, and design by consciousness. Design by consciousness is the half known/ unknown quantity.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
Do you need to improve your life? Why do you need to improve anything, I know smoking is bad but why should I stop when I enjoy it? Your whole argument is that debating difficult subjects will force you to something, I dont agree. Debating peak oil will not force me to think of and implement an alternative. Understanding the economy will not make me want to be richer there is no reason for me to use more energy to get richer its not what motivates me.
pronchie1 1 year ago
I would say this is my favorite Lorax video to date. Lots of interesting points. Regarding "intellectual" I have always tended to be somewhat repulsed by identifying myself as one . It reminds me of somebody obsessed with working out at the gym in some kind of self indulgent competition with the world to see how many bulging muscles they can show to everyone, until they look like some kind of abomination.. These masturbatory discussions to which you refer are the mental equivalent.
EdgeRetro 1 year ago
well in my mind free will is not unknowable it has been clearly demonstrated. 130 years of psi research has conclusively proven that human intent has direct, measurable, repeatable, non-local effects on the universe. Although main stream science has regarded this topic as taboo and ignored it for a 100 years. Clearly the mind is correlated with the brain but also more than the brain.
Peek oil is a scam of artificial scarcity by the political/economic powers that be.
wizkid2000 1 year ago
Calling something a "conspiracy theory" is totally illuminating and seems to be an intellectual cop out that allows someone to dismiss an argument without considering or even hearing the evidence.
Understanding economics is vitally important, I recommend that people study Austrian economics.
Understanding politics is also vitally important, I recommend studying anarchy to understand state power structures and the systems of control and abuse the result from them
wizkid2000 1 year ago
How is the free will debate irrelevant? Just because we live as if we have free will regardless doesn't make it meaningless. Its outcome has huge implications on science, philosophy, religion and other aspects in life. The question is a work in progress, with science getting to know more and more step by step. In the meantime we gotta work with what we know and draw the best conclusions possible from that... not say its irrelevant and leave room for unfounded self made theories.
koolgreen 1 year ago
@koolgreen Really? how would it make a difference in a persons life?
wizkid2000 1 year ago
everything is consciousness
matter can't create consciousness and consciouness can't create matter because they're all the same thing
matter=energy=consciousness
1x93cm 1 year ago
How many people will debate Lord Christopher Monckton on Climate Cagange??
HumanSayNo 1 year ago
Oh come on. Positing that unmeasurable things "exist" is completely absurd. Unmeasurable things may be used in theories to help predict things we can measure, but the unmeasurable things don't actually exist. They're just a conceptual map to help us predict events. There's no use and no value in positing metaphysical realms where things "exist".
mrbluesky323 1 year ago
Do you speak for the trees?
SoaringEagle5344 1 year ago
free will: it can be a fractal or a random action/number generator. At the quantum level universe is probable so there is no strict determinism (i.e. a relation with many probable gradients and not a function) so material "free will" is likely (lol). Jack Rasmus, Steve Keen, and David Harvey are good for the ol' pol/econ exercise. Heinberg gets the peak oil/strategic resource issue across. Hmmm Lorax is 4X4 on diet and getting your head together. Don't forget to study nonlinear thermodynamics.
jroubidoux 1 year ago
Are you wearing a snuggie? If not, what?
yngbullwnohorns 1 year ago
The things you think are worth while are as unsolvable as the first things you mentioned as not worthy of thought.
Our gmo monsanto food, peak oil ect, are out of our hands as well.
You just prioritized your personal boogy men in a different order and make an unsubstantiated claim that one is somehow more important (subjective) or more easily controlled (unsubstantiated) than the others you first mention.
tbgx1 1 year ago
On your final points.... economics is being discussed quite a bit by quite a few communities and across community boundaries, however, most who understand the system we have want to see it abolished and a free market restored, not work within it. As for peak oil... pretty sure its unproven and a scam the oil community uses to jack up prices. No one would accept these high prices if they knew that oil is produced by extremophile bacteria in an anaerobic process deep in the Earth's crust.
PatriotsRepublic 1 year ago
Outstanding!
The video could have started at 00:12:00
cosmosgato 1 year ago
I have studied these things, and I was depressed about it at first, feeling like I needed to save the world and that I couldn't do anything without a majority agreeing with me. But then I realized that I can make changes in my own life and save myself. If other people don't want to listen, than I have to let it go.
shelly8510 1 year ago 2
lorax2013 its been a while
69elpresidente 1 year ago
you hit the nail on the head @ 9:40.... its horrifying when you see the truth.
finefilth 1 year ago
THANKS LORAX.. I ENJOYED THAT
finefilth 1 year ago
Which books/sources could you recommend on understanding central banking?
namitsu1 1 year ago
lorax great video!
this is definitely your way (among other things im sure) of trying to improve your society. by giving your audience a different viewpoint than that of the norm and inviting your viewers to make change in the world.
keep doing what youre doing!
Uskudar1990 1 year ago
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference
is that what you were trying to say
billybobhobnob101 1 year ago
Indeed: "How small, of all that human hearts endure / That part which laws or kings can cause or cure!" - Samuel Johnson
MarcusCMarcellus 1 year ago
Excellent. So great to have you back. Your vids are consistently eye opening. Thank you!
kccrboy 1 year ago
My first act of free will shall be to believe in free will...William James
broadcasting from area 24.
The military just announced that 2015
will be the year we all start to understand peak oil.
If course the military industrial ideological complex
doesn't like AGW or peak oil & will mfg doubt & controversy.
It has little to do with simplistic ideas about the
NWO by Ron Paul or Alex Jones.
danger0usknowledge 1 year ago
The debate about freewill was predestined to happen.
tgz1000 1 year ago
Your channel was one of the first I subscribed to when I started on youtube. I was impressed with the relaxed succinctness of your presentations. I agreed with most of your thoughts .There is a lot of fluff on youtube.. intellectual flagellation for lack of a better word.The cliche that says "be the change YOU want to see in the world' is one way I look at things.Ideas and imagination rule.. but lets make things happen!.
charles98888 1 year ago 8
something to think about thank you lorax
joshua1auhsoj 1 year ago
this was one of your best videos lauren
screenflicker1 1 year ago
It is my opinion that there are absolute truths, whether we're capable of reaching these truths on earth or elsewhere, they exist. Therefore given the need to find those truths, whether one is a tortoise or a hare; one runs the race nevertheless. This is life.
It's wise to be practical and to improve one's surroundings, and yet; it's just as important to ponder at great length the higher absolute truth. Both are integral, interdependent parts of the larger puzzle of life.
JMehrman 1 year ago
@JMehrman Good point, I didn't have time to discuss this further. I agree that it is important to seek higher truth. However I think that first it is useful to work your way up Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Secondly, I think that higher issues are best understood by direct experience, and are perhaps incomprehensible through intellect alone. Therefore I think it is still useful to tone back the theorizing / debate and instead focus on traditional practices like meditation.
lorax2013 1 year ago
@lorax2013 About the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: seems to be somewhat incorrect according to recent research in neuroscience. Fascinating video in which this is also discussed: /watch?v=XeJSXfXep4M
nielsww 1 year ago
@lorax2013 yeah but it's also good to realize what's really obvious like for example look up in the sky every so often and pay attention when they are laying chemtrails down over your head, and maybe also notice where John Holdren has recently talked about geoengineering using airplanes to spread aerosols in the atmosphere. Maybe just glance once at the air force's plan for 2025 "Owning the Weather", then maybe you will actually be able to realize that which you are directly experiencing.
gnayler 1 year ago
very well said and stimulating. I love your videos. I've pretty much thought of and studied everything you've said so far, but find it hard to implement a plan to improve my life because of my ego.
chroNick546 1 year ago
Eexcellent vid, glad to see you back!
Looking forward to you doing update on economy.
bh2bh2 1 year ago
What kind of shirt are you wearing? Looks cool, and comfortable.
monteros 1 year ago
Welcome to the mind's maze.
fiscornioman 1 year ago
Stifling free will is "The same as what hierarchy does". Let's say there was a "ghostable interface controller chip" that let's say could be used for crashing a prez's plane or a bunch of Toyota's. The gamers or hierarchal are going to act as mercy deficient to try to "cash in" or "up status" themselves. Lack of free will has to do with compulsive or overcompelling circumstances. The spy chip flies under the legal radar.
hypnofan35 1 year ago
@hypnofan35 With a lot of rules and laws and enforcements there is a strong push and pull, but without this there can be a far freer give and take kind of cooperation. Free give and take of ideas and concepts = Free will. Hierarchy is contrary to free will or contrained or blocked ideas and concepts, because hierarchy is ordered to the purpose of more for some less or non for outsiders and inferiors.
hypnofan35 1 year ago