everything is predetermined
TRANSCRIPT
““Everything Is Everything Is Predetermined”: Albert Predetermined”: Albert
Einstein (and his friends) Einstein (and his friends) and Ramana Maharshiand Ramana Maharshi
Gary Weber, Ph. D.Gary Weber, Ph. D.
““Everything Is Predetermined”Everything Is Predetermined”
Ramana MaharshiRamana Maharshi ““Are only the important events in a man's life, such as his Are only the important events in a man's life, such as his
main occupation or profession, predetermined, or are trifling main occupation or profession, predetermined, or are trifling acts also, such as taking a cup of water or moving from one acts also, such as taking a cup of water or moving from one part of the room to another?”part of the room to another?”
Ramana Maharshi replied, “Everything is predetermined.”Ramana Maharshi replied, “Everything is predetermined.”
Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein "Everything is determined, the beginning as well as the end, "Everything is determined, the beginning as well as the end,
by forces over which we have no control. It is determined for by forces over which we have no control. It is determined for insects as well as for the stars. Human beings, vegetables, insects as well as for the stars. Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible piper.“the distance by an invisible piper.“
"You can will what you want, but you can't will what you "You can will what you want, but you can't will what you will".will".
Can Physics Explain Can Physics Explain Consciousness?Consciousness?
Eugene Wigner :Eugene Wigner :• ““Physics can’t even prove physics”Physics can’t even prove physics”• "It was not possible to formulate the laws (of quantum theory) "It was not possible to formulate the laws (of quantum theory)
in a fully consistent way without reference to consciousness." in a fully consistent way without reference to consciousness." • In In The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in the The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in the
Natural SciencesNatural Sciences, “the mathematical formulation of the , “the mathematical formulation of the physicist’s often crude experience leads in an uncanny number physicist’s often crude experience leads in an uncanny number of cases to an amazingly accurate description of a large class of cases to an amazingly accurate description of a large class of phenomena." of phenomena."
• Biology and cognition could be the origin of physical Biology and cognition could be the origin of physical concepts, as we humans perceive them…that mathematics and concepts, as we humans perceive them…that mathematics and physics were so well matched, seemed…"unreasonable“…hard physics were so well matched, seemed…"unreasonable“…hard to explain otherwiseto explain otherwise
What can be logically deduced about free will, choice, What can be logically deduced about free will, choice, karma/sin, and knowing the outcomes and sources of our karma/sin, and knowing the outcomes and sources of our actions from our current scientific understanding? actions from our current scientific understanding?
Is Predetermination Scientifically Is Predetermination Scientifically Reasonable?Reasonable?
Benjamin Libet – UCSF – 1983Benjamin Libet – UCSF – 1983 ParticipantsParticipants
• Watched a clock and noted precisely when they decided to flex Watched a clock and noted precisely when they decided to flex their wristtheir wrist
• Noted when the movement actually occurredNoted when the movement actually occurred• The intention to move occurred 200 milliseconds before movement The intention to move occurred 200 milliseconds before movement
actually began. actually began. Electrodes placed over the motor control areas of the brain Electrodes placed over the motor control areas of the brain
recorded when the brain had begun initiating the movement.recorded when the brain had begun initiating the movement. Electrical activity of the muscles involved in the wrist Electrical activity of the muscles involved in the wrist
movement determined precisely when muscle movement movement determined precisely when muscle movement began.began.
Brain activity to initiate movement started about 550 Brain activity to initiate movement started about 550 milliseconds before the action began. milliseconds before the action began.
However, participants were only aware of the intention to move However, participants were only aware of the intention to move 200 milliseconds before it occurred. 200 milliseconds before it occurred.
The brain had initiated the movement before the participant The brain had initiated the movement before the participant was even aware of it.was even aware of it.
Movement Initiated < Awareness Movement Initiated < Awareness of the Movementof the Movement
Movement is initiated by the brain without our awareness
“We” are aware of the impending action
Action
occurs350 ms 200 ms
What role do “we” play in the action?
But What About Deciding But What About Deciding Something In Those 200ms?Something In Those 200ms?
Strawson (1994)Strawson (1994) At birth, one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors are At birth, one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors are
determined by genetics, prenatal learning and determined by genetics, prenatal learning and environment.environment.
Subsequent thoughts, feelings and behaviors are built on Subsequent thoughts, feelings and behaviors are built on that foundation – decisions and choices are a result of that foundation – decisions and choices are a result of accumulated experience, as modulated by genetic factorsaccumulated experience, as modulated by genetic factors
If one tries to change oneself, those goals and methods If one tries to change oneself, those goals and methods are determined by genes, etc. – what one can be is are determined by genes, etc. – what one can be is determined by what one already isdetermined by what one already is
““Time to veto” conveys no more free will than the time Time to veto” conveys no more free will than the time between putting eggs on waiting for them to fry provides between putting eggs on waiting for them to fry provides the eggs with the opportunity not to cookthe eggs with the opportunity not to cook
The Growing Case for Genetic CausationThe Growing Case for Genetic Causation Francis Crick -Francis Crick - ““You, your joys and your sorrows, your memories and your You, your joys and your sorrows, your memories and your
ambitions, your sense of personal identity and free will, are in fact no more ambitions, your sense of personal identity and free will, are in fact no more than the behavior of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated than the behavior of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules”molecules”
Functional DNA polymorphism in DRD4, MAO-A and 5HT genes linked to Functional DNA polymorphism in DRD4, MAO-A and 5HT genes linked to “pathological” gambling; FAAH gene w/385A allele damps fear circuitry and “pathological” gambling; FAAH gene w/385A allele damps fear circuitry and intensifies reaction to making moneyintensifies reaction to making money
A DRD2 gene allele can intensify responses to gamblesA DRD2 gene allele can intensify responses to gambles
Harvard and UCSD studies found that genes may be 46% responsible for how Harvard and UCSD studies found that genes may be 46% responsible for how popular and how “connected” we arepopular and how “connected” we are
MSU study showed that a mutation in serotonin receptor gene 5-HT2A is MSU study showed that a mutation in serotonin receptor gene 5-HT2A is linked to a variation in popularitylinked to a variation in popularity
Two NEJM studies found binge eating strongly associated to melanocortin 4-Two NEJM studies found binge eating strongly associated to melanocortin 4-receptor which makes appetite controlling protein. All people with broken receptor which makes appetite controlling protein. All people with broken gene were binge eaters.gene were binge eaters.
Recent Work On Individual Neurons Recent Work On Individual Neurons Hint At Biology of ThoughtHint At Biology of Thought
Contemporary Extensions of Contemporary Extensions of Libet’s WorkLibet’s Work
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, (Bhattachcarya and Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, (Bhattachcarya and Sheth, 2009)Sheth, 2009) More complex thought processes - looking at “aha/Eureka” More complex thought processes - looking at “aha/Eureka”
insights, when they are known and where they come frominsights, when they are known and where they come from• Simple, practical problems, not well known w/o a linear, Simple, practical problems, not well known w/o a linear,
methodical solutionmethodical solution
EEG predicted who would have the insight by different EEG predicted who would have the insight by different brainwave activity in right frontal cortex up to 8 seconds brainwave activity in right frontal cortex up to 8 seconds before the insight was realizedbefore the insight was realized
Conscious thought does not solve problemsConscious thought does not solve problems
““Unconscious” processing delivers the solution when it has Unconscious” processing delivers the solution when it has been worked outbeen worked out
Modern Complex Systems (Chaos) TheoryModern Complex Systems (Chaos) Theory An MIT meteorologist (Edward Lorenz) was conducting a computer An MIT meteorologist (Edward Lorenz) was conducting a computer
modeling experiment. modeling experiment.
To save time he restarted his huge program in the middle of a run with To save time he restarted his huge program in the middle of a run with his printout data which rounded variables to 3-digits, while his his printout data which rounded variables to 3-digits, while his computer worked with 6-digit precision.computer worked with 6-digit precision.
Surprisingly, the result for the entire weather system changed Surprisingly, the result for the entire weather system changed dramatically. dramatically.
A new mathematical approach developed which focused on the impact A new mathematical approach developed which focused on the impact of small, seemingly insignificant changes on the behavior of large of small, seemingly insignificant changes on the behavior of large complex dynamic systemscomplex dynamic systems
Used in mathematics, topology, physics, population biology, biology, Used in mathematics, topology, physics, population biology, biology, meteorology, astrophysics, information theory, cardiac cycles, war, etc.meteorology, astrophysics, information theory, cardiac cycles, war, etc.
The metaphor is of a butterfly flapping its wings causing a hurricane in The metaphor is of a butterfly flapping its wings causing a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.the Atlantic Ocean.
Complex Systems Theory Applied to Complex Systems Theory Applied to “Intelligent” Choice and “Free Will”“Intelligent” Choice and “Free Will”
Complex Systems Mathematics observes:Complex Systems Mathematics observes: Situations are less predictable further from the initial conditions. Complex Situations are less predictable further from the initial conditions. Complex
interacting systems undergoing change (our lives) are unpredictable. interacting systems undergoing change (our lives) are unpredictable.
All parts of the system affect, and are affected by, many other parts of the All parts of the system affect, and are affected by, many other parts of the system in a complex web of cause and effect and feedback. Predictions based system in a complex web of cause and effect and feedback. Predictions based on linear logic (a > b > c) do not work. on linear logic (a > b > c) do not work.
Completely unpredictable results can emerge even if the original conditions are Completely unpredictable results can emerge even if the original conditions are known in great detail.known in great detail.
With all the interactions and feedback, huge amounts of knowledge are required With all the interactions and feedback, huge amounts of knowledge are required that cannot be collected and assembled in time for even one simple decision.that cannot be collected and assembled in time for even one simple decision.
The human mind is suited for simple situations using simple logic. Short-term The human mind is suited for simple situations using simple logic. Short-term memory holds about seven pieces of information at a time –inadequate for memory holds about seven pieces of information at a time –inadequate for today’s complex, interconnected world. today’s complex, interconnected world.
This inability of our minds to generate reliable decisions gives us great This inability of our minds to generate reliable decisions gives us great discomfort, uncertainty and fear. discomfort, uncertainty and fear.
You are NOT in controlYou are NOT in control It is impossible to know the ultimate outcomes of It is impossible to know the ultimate outcomes of
any of “my” actions and who they will affect, or how any of “my” actions and who they will affect, or how the current situation came to be.the current situation came to be.
What if a small change happened in your great-great-What if a small change happened in your great-great-great-great grandmother’s life? Would “you” be great-great grandmother’s life? Would “you” be here today in this room?here today in this room?
Were you in control and knowledgeable of Were you in control and knowledgeable of everything surrounding the most important decision everything surrounding the most important decision in your life including all of its subsequent in your life including all of its subsequent implications?implications?
Even Simple Interactions Are Even Simple Interactions Are Massively ComplexMassively Complex
Games Demonstrate The Games Demonstrate The Hopelessness of Our SituationHopelessness of Our Situation
In “chessworld” In “chessworld” Only two families each with father, mother, three sets of older Only two families each with father, mother, three sets of older
twins and eight younger children. twins and eight younger children. Only limited and prescribed movement is possible. Each Only limited and prescribed movement is possible. Each
person can only be in one of about 60 adjacent houses. person can only be in one of about 60 adjacent houses. If someone moves into a house occupied by a member of the If someone moves into a house occupied by a member of the
other family, the only possible outcome is that the current other family, the only possible outcome is that the current occupant dies. occupant dies.
Everyone moves alternatively by family until one family is gone. Everyone moves alternatively by family until one family is gone. Clearly a much, much simpler and less populous world than we Clearly a much, much simpler and less populous world than we
occupy. occupy. Possible different sequences of interactions of those two Possible different sequences of interactions of those two
families is 1 followed by 123 zeroes (Shannon number). families is 1 followed by 123 zeroes (Shannon number). An estimate of the number of particles in the known universe is An estimate of the number of particles in the known universe is
1 followed by 79 zeroes (+/- a few zeroes). 1 followed by 79 zeroes (+/- a few zeroes). Why do we believe that we can predict who and what will be Why do we believe that we can predict who and what will be
affected by our actions in our vastly more complex world? affected by our actions in our vastly more complex world?
The Bhagavad Gita Strikes A The Bhagavad Gita Strikes A Similar ToneSimilar Tone
And even if, clinging to the I-sense, you say that you will not fight, And even if, clinging to the I-sense, you say that you will not fight, your intention will be in vain; Nature will compel you to act.your intention will be in vain; Nature will compel you to act.
Even the wise man acts in accordance with his inner nature. All Even the wise man acts in accordance with his inner nature. All beings follow their nature. What good can repression do?beings follow their nature. What good can repression do?
No one, not even for an instant, can exist without acting, all beings No one, not even for an instant, can exist without acting, all beings are compelled, however unwilling, by the three strands of Nature are compelled, however unwilling, by the three strands of Nature called gunas.called gunas.
You Are Not In ControlYou Are Not In ControlIf everyone has “free will” and is “in control”, how
does that work for 6,800,000,000 people?
What if 100,000 people want the same item?
What if ten people want different results from a situation and they are from four different religions?
How does the “bookkeeping” work of all results of all behaviors of 6,800,000,000 people, 16 hrs/day for their lives on everyone else? Who keeps track of all of this karma and sin?
What Is This “I” That Makes These What Is This “I” That Makes These Choices and Has This Sin/Karma?Choices and Has This Sin/Karma?
How Does An “I” Get Built?How Does An “I” Get Built?
The “I” At 1 Year
How Does An “I” Get Built?How Does An “I” Get Built?
The “I” At 8 Years
Good GirlBad Girl
Poor At Soccer
Computer WizDon’t Share Well
Good At Math
Not Very Pretty
Daddy’s Girl
Grandma’s SweetheartGreat Painter
How Does An “I” Get Built?How Does An “I” Get Built?
The “I” At 18 Years
Good GirlBad Girl
Poor At Soccer
Computer WizDon’t Share Well
Good At Math
Not Very Pretty
Daddy’s Girl
Grandma’s SweetheartGreat Painter
Difficulty Relating to Geeky Guys
Loves to Party
Poor SingerGoing to “OK” College
Poor At Most Team Sports
Good Girl Good Girl
How Does An “I” Get Built?How Does An “I” Get Built?
The “I” At 28 Years
Good GirlBad Girl
Poor At Soccer
Computer WizDon’t Share Well
Good At Math
Not Very Pretty
Daddy’s Girl
Grandma’s SweetheartGreat Painter
Difficulty Relating to Geeky Guys
Loves to Party
Poor SingerGoing to “OK” College
Poor At Most Team Sports
Good Girl Good Girl
Has Difficulty Committing
Has Great Potential In This Company
Great Salesperson
Needs Better Organization Skills
Need to Work a Little HarderHas Some Relationship Issues
Great Fashion Sense
If Everything Is Predetermined If Everything Is Predetermined Where Does That Leave “You”?Where Does That Leave “You”?
Surprisingly, living in the moment, accepting Surprisingly, living in the moment, accepting whatever unfolds, just as it is, whatever it iswhatever unfolds, just as it is, whatever it is
Beyond the reaches of recursive, Beyond the reaches of recursive, compulsive, confused thoughtcompulsive, confused thought
Fully present and active “in the world”, Fully present and active “in the world”, without regret, second-judgments, or hidden without regret, second-judgments, or hidden agendasagendas
Functioning at a higher, more creative level Functioning at a higher, more creative level without the interference of constant without the interference of constant background/foreground thinkingbackground/foreground thinking
An “Aha” ProblemAn “Aha” Problem The ProblemThe Problem
Three story house. Three story house. Three light switches on the ground floor. Three light switches on the ground floor. Two switches do not work. One switch turns on a incandescent Two switches do not work. One switch turns on a incandescent
light bulb on the second floor. light bulb on the second floor. The light and all three switches are off. You may flip the light The light and all three switches are off. You may flip the light
switches as much as you want, but you may only go up to the switches as much as you want, but you may only go up to the second floor once to check the light bulb. second floor once to check the light bulb.
How do you determine which switch works?How do you determine which switch works?
The Answer:The Answer: Switch one light switch (a) on for several minutes. Then switch Switch one light switch (a) on for several minutes. Then switch
it off and switch another one (b) on. Then immediately go it off and switch another one (b) on. Then immediately go upstairs. If the light is on, switch (b) turned it on. If the light is upstairs. If the light is on, switch (b) turned it on. If the light is not on, feel the bulb. If it is hot, then switch (a) turned it on. If it not on, feel the bulb. If it is hot, then switch (a) turned it on. If it is cold, switch (c) would turn it on.is cold, switch (c) would turn it on.