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Letter: We do have free will, but we are squandering it

Published 9 July 2025

From Howie Firth, Elgin, Moray, UK

Does free will exist? A simple thought experiment confirms it, surely. If every action we make is predetermined by the laws of physics, then it is possible to imagine constructing a computer that could predict what I will do at a particular moment. When I hear that prediction, I am then able to do something different. Whatever the computer says the predetermined act is, I will exercise my freedom of choice to counter it(7 June, p 8).

The real question is why, when we have the freedom and the power to choose to sustain the life of the planet that has given us so much, are we failing so miserably?

Issue no. 3551 published 12 July 2025

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