META: The problem of "Good vs. Evil"

[Tom Russell]

I think one reason why the idea of free will, whatever the scientific
consensus of it might be, is so widely accepted is because, as Andrew
points out in his humourous post above, if we do not have the ability
to make choices then we are not responsible for them.  Taken together
with the point of view that there is no right or wrong-- that they're
just human concepts without meaning-- we are left with a world where
people can do whatever the hell they want... if they had the ability
to want things.

Until it's proven, one way or the other, I'm going to hold onto my
naive attachment to these ideas.  Because I'd rather do that than live
in a world where they don't exist.  Such a world denies the basic
dignity of human beings, and that's an idea to which I am passionately
committed.

Call me a fool if you like, but that's where I stand.

==Tom