[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Livia

I agree... I do believe that to a certain extent we are programmed by past memories and experiences. I sometimes find myself making decisions that go against what looks like the best decision because I have a gut feeling about something.

I do too and I am sure many others have that inbuilt 6th sense/instinct/gut feeling. But is that subconscious: or is that some of us having the ability to tap into a part of the brain that others can't? That's my 'dilemma' over the gut feeling - the inner sense. I'm not sure if that can be attributed to the subconscious mind; or a part of the brain that we haven't quite learned to use to it's full potential - some of us get that gut feeling and it is correct: some don't - different levels of brain function etc.

It's an interesting concept either way.

What's even more mind boggling is that we are discussing the part of our body that is allowing us to respond as we are - it would be so much easier if 'it' would just tell us straight and stop with all the suspense! lol

[Niall]

I think that the subconscious is in control of only certain parts of the body and mind. Like breathing, keeping essential body processed going, releasing hormones and the like.

I think that your actual conscious comes into play when you actually have to think about stuff. Like making decisions, writing a song or reading a book.

[Harry!]

Hai Philosophy student aka Me!

It depends if you agree if you have free will. If you totally believe that you are free (Not as in the sense that you don't have to pay for something) when you make your choices and are not confronted by the fact that parts of your life are out of control. Then you will believe in free will.

A determinist would believe in the cause/effect strategy when everything that happens in the world has been set from the start of the universe and there is nothing that you are capeable of doing. Many religious believers say that God by using his omnipotent nature has pre set this and knows exactly what will happen and has happend. However some say that God limits his omnipotent power and gives us free will.

But coming to biological factors to suggest that you have free will will apply to the 12 traits of personhood and if you do not fit all of those characteristics to be a full person. These include rationality and antonomy (being fully aware of your surroundings) although this could depend of your state ie a person in a coma.

Of course age has an significant impact of how much free will you can hope to have, same for cultral and other differences.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

I do too and I am sure many others have that inbuilt 6th sense/instinct/gut feeling. But is that subconscious: or is that some of us having the ability to tap into a part of the brain that others can't? That's my 'dilemma' over the gut feeling - the inner sense. I'm not sure if that can be attributed to the subconscious mind; or a part of the brain that we haven't quite learned to use to it's full potential - some of us get that gut feeling and it is correct: some don't - different levels of brain function etc.

It's an interesting concept either way.

What's even more mind boggling is that we are discussing the part of our body that is allowing us to respond as we are - it would be so much easier if 'it' would just tell us straight and stop with all the suspense! lol

Yes, it is a very interesting concept. We know so little about it really, but it is fascinating.

[Kizzy]

This subconcious mind could be at the root of phobias, why do certain things cause such an irrational fear in the mind of a rational concious person?...
Some are obvious..Like heights, and some are just bizarre..like buttons.
What triggers them?