The Cosmic Cancer

Would the unexpected outcome be explained if we only knew all of the antecedent conditions and circumstances? Are we really free to choose, and if we cannot, is the future foreordained? Although these questions have been debated for millennia, as information accumulates concerning the origins of human behavior, that choice is an illusion becomes ever more plausible. Furthermore, its contraposition with determinism is a false dichotomy, i.e. absence of free will does not imply a predetermined future. There is too much indeterminacy built into the natural world, with humanity as a component, for our future to be cast in stone individually or collectively. The same uncertainties affecting human life apply to the matter and energy, of which all things are comprised. Although no organism is in control of its destiny, neither is that destiny foreordained. Alternative trajectories for life are not strict determinism and free will. Even if all uncertainties arising from antecedent events could be resolved by greater observational and reasoning power, the behavior of any organism at a given time and place is essentially unpredictable within certain ranges. Indeterminacy remains and, as far as we know, is a fundamental characteristic of nature, and everything that exists in its domain. The proposition that choice is illusory may be wrong, but it has the potential to vastly improve the landscape on Earth. If accepted, even tentatively, it would lead to a number of healthy developments. For one thing, we would function with humility rather than pomposity, and perhaps forever relinquish claim to hegemony over other forms of life that has been so destructive of our fellow Earth-mates and the planet in general. Secondly, it would discourage the practice of blaming and praising - manipulative devices intended to coerce vulnerable souls to do another’s bidding - and acknowledge that no one can fundamentally be held accountable for anything. We would be more prone to respond objectively to threats, without absolving anyone of the responsibility to do the right thing. Menaces to society could be dealt with, even harshly, not from malice, hatred or vengeance, but to allow for orderly societal functioning and progress.