Self Denial To The Max

There is a reason that a proposed scientific conclusion, however firmly based in evidence it may seem to be, is invariably subjected to a long dip in a tank of hungry piranha. Critics of science simply do not understand just how savagely scientists attack each other’s findings. Even Einstein’s theories are subject to constant questioning and are repeatedly tested. The primary reason is that this is the only way to be certain that any data,or conclusion based on any data set, is in fact correct. There are many reasons it might be incorrect, but one of the main ones is that scientists are, after all, only human.

I’m pleased to learn from this article both the flaws of this highly touted experiment which is so loudly declared to conclusively prove something that I absolutely believe to be false, but also the long standing criticism which has always been obvious to me. What is the psychology behind highly intelligent individuals being almost bitterly determined to prove that they have no consciousness and no free will? What drives a person to want to be a conscious-less, mindless robot? I’d really love to see an in depth psychological study of the advocates of this peculiar position.

I would like to ask these individuals the following question.

I recall reading, I believe it was as far back as high school, a story about a boy in a psychiatric institution. He suffered horribly for reasons I cannot recall. In order to avoid the pain and suffering his emotions caused him, he decided he was a robot. He would walk about during the day carefully aligning the imaginary wires which plugged him into the wall, telling people not to step on those wires as they might accidentally disconnect him. I do not recall what caused his condition or if he was ever able to recover. However, it is very interesting that this child wanted to be an unconscious and unfeeling being to avoid the horrors of his suffering.

I recall a Star Trek episode of a similar theme in which a boy wanted to become Data and avoid feelings because he felt guilt over what he thought was a terrible crime he had accidentally committed.

So, what is it which drives you to wish to be an emotionless, non-conscious object? Why do you feel this compelling need to be a bio-chemical robot? What trauma drives you? Why are you so afraid of being responsible for your actions?

> ...why are so many intellectuals so intent on proving that they have no free will? (As the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead pointed out ironically, “Scientists animated by the purpose of proving themselves purposeless constitute an interesting subject for study.”) <

Scientific American

How a Flawed Experiment "Proved" that Free Will Doesn't Exist

https://apple.news/AhCXobNpkTnaR4KHC1RBTRg