This is a casual discussion event open to all views and perspectives. The goal for everyone should be to seek to understand the other side, and hopefully after thorough analysis, refine your views. Ask good faith questions to those you disagree with and try to give good faith answers to questions directed at you. Respect for others is a must (or at least try haha).

The Free WIll vs Determinism debate is one of my favorite philosophical topics, and while it often comes up naturally in our discussions I try not to post topics revolving around it too often. However there is a particular element of Determinism that I would like to explore.

My general position is that we have Free Will, and my main reasoning behind this is the fact that we live as if we have free will. Decision making, morality, responsibility, critical thinking... all of these things cannot exist without a sense of free agency. Determinists call these things illusions, but another thing we value deeply in our culture, is the idea of **consent**.

Consent is a choice, and if we do not have free choice then we are not capable of "giving consent". Do Determinists value consent? Is consent another illusion? Is it a valuable illusion?

I also found it fitting to introduce this topic just after having our event on Abortion & Personhood. Those who favor the legalization of abortion are called "Pro-Choice", and I'm wondering how Determinists view the idea of "Pro-Choice", or "Bodily Autonomy", as these ideas seem to be mere illusions to them.

What are your thoughts? Come join us for a fun discussion! Take Tylenol for any headaches. Midol for any cramps. If you prefer not to attend, too bad it has been determined.

**Rule Of Etiquette:** The goal is to have a productive free-flowing discussion, while also giving everyone a fair chance to participate accordingly. If you have any trouble getting a word in, please use the "Raise Hand" feature. We have a loosely enforced 3 minute timer but please be mindful of your time and the number of people waiting, and know that you can always put yourself back in the rotation for additional talking points. It is also encouraged to engage with others on your turn so that we can have more of a free-slowing dialog, rather than each of us just taking turns on our soap boxes.

Hope you can join us!

Rick

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