On Destiny and Freedom

We have discussed freedom in previous meetings and, from my point of view, freedom is not absolute but neither is our understanding of the truth. But to say that there is no absolute truth and no absolute freedom is not to say that there is no relative truth or no relative freedom. And it does not take much freedom to upset the apple cart of determinism from a hypothetical causal chain that starts with the Big Bang.

If we can believe in relative freedom, then I wish to propose that freedom is to destiny as determinism is to fate. Much like 'morality' and 'ethics', the terms 'destiny' and 'fate' are often used interchangeably but I wish here to make a distinction. Destiny is the terminus of the intervention of free choice. "We create our own destiny" it is often said. Fate, on the other hand, often comes with the sense of locked-in inevitability. We can quibble over the meanings of the words, but my point is not a semantic one. By destiny I mean a future that stands in the balance and is dependent on free choice. Whereas fate or notions of predetermination are, well, merely predetermined. This topic impinges on questions concerning the course of world history as well as the the course of an individual life.

The collection of issues relating to freedom, determinism and destiny are covered in sections 1.8 through I.10 of Ethical Empowerment. Section I.10 discusses a concept that I call "convergence." Convergence is the combination of causality, dialectic (ethical reasoning) and free will. Guided by causal necessity and the workings of the moral dialectic a convergence takes place that tends to limit the spectrum of choice. I submit that the operations of choice (individually and collectively) and the skillfulness by which freedom navigates causal and dialectical influences together create destiny.

Ethical Empowerment: Virtue Beyond the Paradigms (http://integralhypnosis.com/ethicalempowerment.htm) is available as an eBook on Amazon (http://xrl.us/bo8yf3) and other eBook retailers including Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony and Apple's iTunes Store. The print version won't be available for some months. If you would like to purchase the eBook but do not have an eBook reader (such as a Kindle device) you can visit http://Smashwords.com and download the book in PDF format so that the book may be read on your computer. While your purchase of the book is strongly encouraged and would be appreciated it is not required for participation in these discussions.

The format of this discussion will be similar to the preceding session (absent my lengthy reading of selections from my book!) It appeared to me that addressing the group from the outside (rather than the inside) section adjacent to the tables produces much better sound quality. We shall see.

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Menu (http://www.greenteanewton.com/green%20tea%20newton%20menu%20for%20chinese%20food.pdf)

FOOD AND BEVERAGES: This restaurant is extremely accommodating and allows us to stay until closing (11:00pm) if we choose. It is not fair if they are not fairly compensated. And we use a large percentage of the total seats in the house! The basic cost is $20 (this covers your entree, 3 or 4 shared appetizers per table, tax and gratuity but not drinks). DRINKS ARE ORDERED AND PAID FOR SEPARATELY BY EACH ATTENDEE. If on a rare occasion you only order a drink or an appetizer, or if you do not order anything, then you will owe a minimum charge of $12 to compensate the restaurant for their service. If there should be a shortfall, which is unlikely, then the group agrees to chip in to cover the difference. By attending this event you hereby agree to this policy.

Sometimes some of us head out for a late night prolongation of the evening at a nearby pub. However, during these occasions please do not carpool to the pub: drive your car down the street and re-park it at the pub because there is TOWING after the little mall area closes for the night.

To reach me at my office, call 617-964-4800

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No Show Policy (https://www.meetup.com/Philosophy-Discussions/pages/No_Show_Policy/) (PLEASE READ)