Are We Free Or Just Manipulated

[HeyYou]

 

 

Given the exact same initial conditions, the outcome will also be the exact same - in the same way, the level of restriction and coercion can be looked at as simply another of those conditions.

I don't think that is necessarily the case...... Given the circumstance: I need to go to work. Under your supposition, I would drive the exact same route every day. Now, more often than not, yes, that would more than likely be the case, but, what if I am tired of that particular bit of scenery one day? I would take a different route......

 

There are many permutations of any given situation, where we can exercise choice. Someones MOOD would be sufficient to alter their response.

 

I get where you're coming from. That said, when I say the exact same conditions I mean it in the most literal sense - ie no additional experience since previously making a decision. Obviously this is entirely hypothetical because it would require a "rewind" sort of time travel, but if you did rewind someone and they lost their memory of all future events, they would repeat their decisions exactly. I agree that mood is a factor. Everything is. Anything you can perceive or have ever perceived is a factor, whether it originates internally or externally.

 

Ok, that I can agree with. For the most part at least. I suppose there is always some random chance tossed in, just for good measure though. :D

[DONKENFAP]

Well, our existence is a limited freedom. I would love to be able to double jump, but you know... physics.

 

On the other hand, our freedom is defined by those limits, like silence between notes and all that good jazz.

[rizon72]

I would say manipulated. In the next election, look at the headlines. Are they overall positive or negative of each candidate? The pictures of the candidates. Is the person's face looking at you, off to the side, if both are side by side, look at which one is larger, how the person looks. It will give you an idea of how you are being manipulated into voting for a certain person.

 

Even when it comes to shopping, we are being manipulated. Anyone who has worked retail knows this. You set up certain items in a certain way. You think you're free while shopping, but the entire store has been designed to get the maximum dollars out of you.

 

I actually can't think of anything that doesn't try to manipulate you in some way, shape or fashion.

[HeyYou]

True, but, we are (some of us, at any rate.) aware of such attempts at manipulation.

 

Hell, even my grandkids try and manipulate me. :D

[Beriallord]

Most people are manipulated in some way whether they realize it or not. The dumber you are the more prone you are to being manipulated. But even very smart people can be manipulated. Unfortunately the average person isn't that bright. I like to believe I've made myself immune to basic manipulation attempts.

 

One of the biggest attempts at collective manipulation by the government is with regards to privacy. They've more or less succeeded in making people think they're safer when they've given up their right to privacy, like with increased security. The fact is when you give up freedoms for security, you'll simply lose freedoms. There is no reason why they need to pat down an old lady using a walker going through airport security, and when I get up there, they walk me through the metal detector, and no pat down. I guess they think old ladies with walkers are more of a threat than a middle aged White male *sarcasm*.