[MD] Choosing Chance

[John Carl]

Arlo,


Let me see if I can define the precise difference between us.


I put choice as fundamental, you put chance.  You say chance is fundamental
in order to have choices, to make "choice" meaningful.  And choice, freedom
is very important to you.


Is that right?  It seems logical to me.  Honestly, a perfectly good way to
look at your self and reality.  A perfectly valid....


choice.


And there's the rub, for me.  You choose to look at chance as fundamental,
which presupposes a choice in the matter.


Choice comes first.


Like me agreeing with Ham with the value of essence, but existence is
primary, I'd say the same with chance and choice.  Choice is primary, more
metaphysical than chance.


Also, your main argument so far has been that you need chance in order to
have choice.  And choice is important!  But if choice is the goal, go for
it, without justifications of logical necessity or niggling doubts about i
validity.  Who cares?  It's important to you. Fundamentally important.
Admit it.    Choose it.


The only argument you could make against choice is that you've got no choice
in the matter.  You must choose a metaphysical stance that makes sense to
you.  But obviously such a statement aknowledges choice in the matter.
Merely objectifying the issue puts choices before us and no matter what we
do we are confronted with the ultimate responsibility of our own being.


We have no choice in the matter, we have to believe in choice.


Just kidding.  You don't really have to if you don't want to.


See?



John