John Agnew said:
Mutually exclusive concepts. Which do you choose?
Depends on what you call omniscient.
If it means an entity seperate from ourselves knows what will happen ahead of time, free will is still possible.
If it means taking some action to intervene based on that knowledge, then that would reduce or even defeat free will.
I know when I give only one toy to my twin nephews an arguement will soon ensue. I may even say; "You have to share." Am I directing them to argue? No, I'm directing them to share.
In this example, the arguement is pretty much their choice. My goal to teach them the concept of sharing might have failed, but they also might learn from the experience. They are left to judge each others' generosity and their own self control.
That would be analogous to the resources of the earth shared by mankind. The only guidance we really have is the long term effects of our actions.
Now if omniscient means we do what was predictable and are punished as a result. It still does not negate free will. The punishment would be an excercise in futility.
If omniscient means every single action we take is predestined, then there is no free will.
That's about it.
Steve
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