Are our lives completely predetermined?

[Reach]

Originally Posted by drummerlsu

I don't think that measureable uncertainty and predetermination have to be mutually exclusive. Just because a quantity can't be measured exactly doesn't mean it isn't an exact quantity.

One thing I don't understand is why some of you claim quantum mechanics isn't deterministic. The Shrodiner equation gives an exact description of the quantum state. Again, just because there is no way to actually find out what the state is doesn't mean that there isn't one.

Just because something is predetermined doesn't mean anyone can actually find out what is is.

In order for the Schrodinger equation to imply that quantum mechanics is deterministic, you have to make a few assumptions ( as always, hence this argument will always exist ). You have to assume the wave function is an all governing function that applies to everything in the universe, from the very beginning. Otherwise, you just run yourself in circles.

I would agree with your premise, though. Although I'm not a fan of predeterminism, there is unquestionably some degree of it that exists. However, if you assume quantum mechanics is somehow operated by an external, quantifiable process, you can't really tell it apart from a random one now can you?

I'm going to stick with my Reach-Determinism here in that it seems a more logical conclusion to assume the universe is governed by both causation and undetermined events.



As for the free will argument...I would consider free will absolutely necessary. In essence it can be described as the mechanism which we use to think; an expression of our brains existance. Sensation in itself does not appear to be deterministic, i.e. your current state does not imply a future state and so on.

You have to construct your own definition of free will to argue its existance, though. There should always be some form of it which you can define that implies it does not exist. Tis and ap both bring up good points.