Human Brain Not
Entirely Deterministic
Bob Webster
From: "Bob Webster"
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Thursday, February 01, 2001 2:54 PM
Just a quick note to Ali (and you) in regard to his last assertion: Due to the uncertainty principle, the apparent non-deterministic nature of atomic and sub-atomic particles, and the mathematically chaotic nature of the brain, I would tend to disagree with it's characterization as "deterministic." Although there is usually a causal link between thoughts, even a very small change in one neuron can cascade into a significant change in the state of the brain, and I believe that change can be small enough to be subject to quantum effects. I would say, instead, that the brain is "mostly deterministic." I know you made that point in passing in your response, but I thought it could use reiterating.
Thanks,
Robert Webster
"We've got a date with Destiny, and it looks like she's ordered the lobster."
-- The Shoveler (Mystery Men)
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