CHOOSE DETERMINISM

The pair of dice pictured above are a philosoprop that can be used to spark discussion around the question:

Can free will and determinism operate simultaneously?

The roller has the sensation of free will, but the roll always results in a pair of threes.

Some philosophers – "incompatibilists" – may argue that intermittent free will isn't possible...that events are bound to unfold based on previous events...or we have some choice in the matter. "Compatibilists," on the other hand, argue there exists some measure of each.

Given that classical physics and quantum physics appear to coexist (though precisely how this is possible is currently the subject of extensive research), it seems plausible that free will and determinism may also be operating simultaneously.

According to quantum physics, the particles of which all matter in the universe is composed are ultimately made up of mostly empty space held together by as-yet not entirely explainable forces. The laws of classical physics that we use to explain the behavior of large objects do not apply on the quantum level.

How can large, apparently solid objects that behave according to relatively predictable laws be entirely composed of waves and particles that can appear in two places at once, have non-local relationships, and otherwise be composed of little that can be considered "solid"?

Perhaps the free will/determinism debate bears some relationship to the classical/quantum physics dilemma: somehow, two systems that seem incompatible according to ordinary logic are two sides of the same coin.

CHOOSE DETERMINISM is a sort of grand unification theory for philosophy. Maybe we can have a little of both. Perhaps these aren't the only two options...

Are you a determinist? YOU DECIDE!